Aging + Health and Wellbeing

Health-span vs life-span:

Canadians are living and working longer resulting in a significant shift in focus from focusing on increasing the life-span to increasing the health-span or the quality of later life. 

Seniors reject ageist stereotypes: 

Older adults challenge stereotypes focused on  dependency, cognitive and physical inability. Ageism is called out across all sectors.  

Demand for autonomy:

Increased concern about the rights and freedoms of residents in congregate settings and their degree of autonomy when it comes to making choices for themselves around their health. 

Increased focus on isolation as a determinant of health:

Many seniors, especially those who live alone, experience unhealthy levels of social isolation with measurable impact on long-term health outcomes. 

A focus on prevention:

Increasing focus on extending health and independence is helps to enhance equity and decrease demand on more costly care utilization. 

Housing as a determinant of health and well-being: 

Healthcare systems can no longer ignore the housing needs of vulnerable populations such as older adults who cannot maintain independence and well-being without adequate housing. 

Technology supports self-management of health and well-being:

Technology is increasingly used by older adults to support the preservation of health and independence. Older adults, and their adult children, invest heavily in technology that enables them to take greater control over monitoring and managing their own health.