The most common health issues in Canadian seniors
According to the Government of Canada:
- In 2019, there were 6.6 million seniors in Canada, 17.5%, or about one-fifth of the population. This percentage is expected to increase to almost one-fourth by 2040.
- For this group, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases account for 60% of deaths.
- 5.8% also reported a fall-related injury in the past 12 months
Cancer
Cancer is an uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells anywhere in the body. There are more than 100 different types of cancer, the 4 most common being lung, colorectal, breast and prostate cancer.
About 1.3 million or 21.5% of Canadians aged 65 or older reported ever being diagnosed with cancer in 2017–2018.
Cardiovascular diseases
This includes ischemic heart disease (IHD) which can lead to heart failure or stroke. About 1.7 million or 27% of Canadians aged 65 or older were living with diagnosed IHD in 2016–2017.
Diabetes
Diabetes occurs when the body is unable to produce and/or use insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. About 1.7 million or 26.8% of Canadians aged 65 or older were living with diagnosed diabetes in 2016–2017.
Hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs when blood pressure is too high for long periods of time. About 4.1 million or 65.7% of Canadians aged 65 or older were living with diagnosed hypertension in 2016–2017.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and usually affects the joints of the hands, feet, hips, knees and spine. Signs and symptoms include joint stiffness, swelling, pain and loss of mobility. About 2.4 million or 38% of Canadians aged 65 or older were living with diagnosed osteoarthritis in 2016–2017.
Dementia
Dementia (including Alzheimer disease) is a decline in cognitive abilities and can affect mood and behaviour. Over 432,000 or 6.7% of Canadians aged 65 or older were living with diagnosed dementia in 2016–2017.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
This is a chronic, progressive lung disease that causes limitations in airflow. About 1.3 million or 20.2% of Canadians aged 65or older were living with diagnosed COPD in 2016–2017.
Healthcare trends in Canada
Seniors should be aware that:
- A 2022 survey 9,000 Canadians found that 13% of those 65 years of age and older reported not having a family doctor
- In 2017, among seniors living alone, average annual health expenditures for those aged 75 to 79 ($1,356) were close to $300 higher relative to those aged 65 to 74 ($1,083). For those aged 80 and over, these expenditures ($1,807) were over $700 higher relative to the youngest seniors.
Another trend is the way virtual healthcare is helping seniors meet these healthcare challenges. The benefits of telemedicine include:
- Convenience – Most virtual healthcare services have extended hours, are available on weekends, allow seniors to avoid paying parking, having to deal with limited access to transportation and having to wait in a crowded waiting room.
- Better monitoring – Telemedicine allows healthcare practitioners to keep a closer eye on patients and their overall health. Remote medical monitoring technology lets doctors get real-time updates about their health. Especially for those with chronic diseases, this can make managing their conditions easier.
How private health insurance can help
For seniors who don’t have healthcare benefits through a previous employer, there could be private health insurance health care costs they’re paying for out of pocket. Here are some examples:
- Cardiovascular diseases: Coverage for medications, specialist consultations, and preventive screenings that are crucial for managing heart disease.
- Arthritis: Coverage for physiotherapy, pain management therapies and prescription medications not fully covered by provincial/territorial health plans.
- Diabetes: Coverage for regular check-ups, medications and diabetic supplies (e.g., glucose monitors and insulin) which may not be fully covered by provincial/territorial health plans.
- COPD: Coverage for oxygen therapy and other respiratory aids which may be required but may not fully covered by provincial/territorial health plans.
- Dementia: As dementia progresses, the need for specialized care increases, which can be costly. Private insurance can provide coverage for home care or long-term care facilities.
In addition, because health care coverage is different for each province/territory, private health insurance like Freedom to ChooseTM health and dental insurance can also provide coverage for:
- Hearing aids
- Wheelchairs, walkers and canes
- CPAP machines
- Orthotics
- Many prescription drugs
- Massage therapists, physiotherapists, social workers, chiropractors
- Routine dental care, including cleanings, fillings and dentures
- Semi-private or private hospital room
- Glasses, contact lenses, eye exams, laser surgery
- Out-of-country emergency medical care