Research summary: Study on healthy aging in Canada

Title of the report: Study on healthy aging in Canada

Authors of the report: Rafael Silva-Ramirez and Sid Ali Amedah

Why this study

Healthy aging (HA) is a multidimensional process aimed at maintaining health, autonomy, and overall well-being of older adults. To date, most available indicators only provide an incomplete view of this phenomenon.

A portrait of HA that takes into account both health and social aspects remains to be drawn. This is a significant gap given the demographic aging of the Canadian population.

What we did

We used data from the Canadian Health Survey on Seniors from 2019 to 2020. To identify individuals who met the criteria for HA, we considered:

• chronic physical and mental health conditions
• the ability to perform daily activities, and
• the availability of relatives who are able to provide support

We then divided the population into two classes:

• Class 1: individuals who meet the criteria for HA, and
• Class 2: those who do not meet the criteria for HA

Next, we conducted a multivariate analysis. This made it possible to identify the characteristics that influence the likelihood of belonging to Class 1.

What we found

Our results showed that the greatest differences between Class 1 and Class 2 are found in the level of autonomy. This was measured using the proportions of individuals living with limitations in preparing their own meals and performing other daily life activities, such as grocery shopping or bathing:

• 5% of individuals in Class 1 have limitations in performing daily life activities compared to 87% in Class 2, and
• 0.1% of individuals in Class 1 have limitations in preparing meals compared to 28% in Class 2

In addition, our multivariate analysis showed that the probability of belonging to Class 1 decreases with age. On the other hand, it increases with level of education and income, for both women and men.

What it means

Our results highlight that:

• HA does not mean the absence of illness, but rather the ability to live independently and rely on a protective social circle, and
• the chances of aging healthily increase with level of education and income.

Furthermore, among the contributions of our project is the fact that we measured HA using a multidimensional approach. This approach grouped individuals according to the health and social aspects of aging.

Contact us

Strategic and Service Policy Branch, Social Policy Directorate, Social Research Division

Email: esdc.nc.sspb.research-recherche.dgpss.cn.edsc@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca