The health of Canada's elderly population: current status and future implications

The growing size of Canada's elderly population and its use of health care services has generated much discussion in policy circles and the popular press. With data from the National Population Health Survey, undertaken in 1994-95, the authors examine the health status of Canada's elderly...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Canadian Medical Association journal 1997-10, Vol.157 (8), p.1025-1032
Main Authors: Rosenberg, M. W, Moore, E. G
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Activities of Daily Living
Aged
Canada - epidemiology
Female
Forecasting
Geriatric Assessment
Health aspects
Health Services - utilization
Health Services Needs and Demand - statistics & numerical data
Health Services Needs and Demand - trends
Health Status
Humans
Male
Older people
Poverty
Single Person
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Summary:The growing size of Canada's elderly population and its use of health care services has generated much discussion in policy circles and the popular press. With data from the National Population Health Survey, undertaken in 1994-95, the authors examine the health status of Canada's elderly population using 3 sets of measures: level of activity limitations, prevalence of chronic illnesses and self-assessment of overall health. They also analyse the utilization of physician and institutional services. The profile of this population the authors develop is in many respects not much different from that of the remaining adult population, until the age of 75. People aged 75 and over are much more likely than other adults to have health problems and use health care services. Also, elderly women living alone and with low income are identified as an especially vulnerable group who need access to medical and nonmedical services if they are to remain in the community. Using Statistics Canada projection data the authors discuss some aspects of the elderly population's health status in the future. Their look into the future raises issues about the preparedness of health care providers and our health care system to meet the challenges of tomorrow's elderly population.
ISSN:0008-4409
0820-3946
1488-2329