In Canada, the population over age 85 is one of the fastest growing age groups. A new report from Statistics Canada aims to identify and understand the distinctly different care profiles of seniors in this age group, particularly those which challenge the ability of those over 85 to age in the community.
According to the research, outlined in the report Health and care-receiving profiles and unmet home care needs among community-dwelling Canadians aged 85 years and older, an estimated 28.2 of Canadians over age 85 were classified as the healthiest, low-care receiving members of the cohort, 25.3 per cent were moderately healthy and receiving moderate care, 27.2 per cent were moderately unhealthy but receiving low care and 19.2 per cent were in poor health, receiving a high amount of care.
“Increasing age and being an immigrant were associated with poorer health status and a higher likelihood of receiving care. An estimated 46,000 Canadians aged 85 years and older (6.5 per cent) reported having unmet home care needs.” Having a lower level of education was also consistently associated with poorer health and a higher likelihood of receiving care.
They add that those classified as being in poor health but receiving high care were the most likely to report having unmet homecare needs, “an association that persisted even after accounting for demographic, socioeconomic and geographic factors,” they write.
The report also notes a high prevalence of chronic conditions is documented in the age group. Despite this, they also note that 71.5 per cent rated their health as good, very good or excellent, even though 93.6 were living with at least one chronic condition and 80.8 per cent were living with two or more chronic conditions.
Most of the survey’s 4,083 respondents – 94.8 per cent – had a regular health care professional; 84.3 per cent lived in an urban area. The number of Canadians aged 85 and older is projected to reach 2.2-million by 2043.
