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Middlesex-London Health Unit

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Healthy Aging

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines Healthy Aging as “the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables well-being in older age.”1

On July 1, 2022 almost 1 in 5 Canadians (18.8% of population) were at least 65 years of age.2 Over the next 25 years (by 2046), the population aged 85 and older could triple to almost 2.5 million people.3

In London, Ontario the number of people 65 years and older will more than double from 60,000 in 2006 to 140,000 in 2036.4

Healthy Aging is about having the ability to continue to do things we value and enjoy. You can live longer and stay independent by keeping healthy, being mobile, preventing falls, building and maintaining relationships; and contributing to society.1

Chronic Diseases5

Aging increases the risk of chronic diseases. Over 1/3 of older Canadians have two or more chronic diseases (i.e., cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, etc.). Although many individuals can maintain a high level of function, it can affect activities of daily living, reduce quality of life and increase risk of death.

To help improve overall health and well-being; be physically active, and eat nutritiously. Follow Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health, Public Summary: Drinking Less is Better if you choose to drink as any amount of alcohol can have risks for your health. It is never too late to quit tobacco and the health benefits will happen as soon as you quit.6

Falls Prevention  

Falls are the most common cause of injuries for people 65 years and older. Many falls are a result of health or lifestyle factors. Falling is not a normal part of aging. The good news is most falls can be prevented.  

Falls prevention resources include: 

Respiratory Illnesses 

Some respiratory illnesses include colds, influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and coronavirus (COVID-19) disease. Some can be serious enough to require hospitalization or result in death. Visit Protection from COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses to learn how to protect yourself from respiratory illnesses. 

Social Connectedness  

Being socially connected with friends and family can reduce social isolation and loneliness. It can foster a sense of belonging and improve both physical and mental health.7 The Age Friendly London Network provides a resources information site to help seniors in London and Middlesex. 
 
Examples of how to be connected socially with friends and family or community: 

  • Volunteering  
  • Participating in educational, recreational and social programs  
  • Joining clubs or neighbourhood events  
  • Technology - Connected Canadians connects older adults with technology training and support  

 

 
 
Date of creation: January 1, 2013
Last modified on: January 31, 2024

References

1World Health Organization. (2020). Healthy ageing and functional ability. Retrieved from
https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/healthy-ageing-and-functional-ability
2Statistics Canada. (2022). Canada's population estimates: Age and sex, July 1, 2022. Retrieved from
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/220928/dq220928c-eng.htm
3Statistics Canada. (2022). A portrait of Canada’s growing population aged 85 and older from the 2021 Census. Retrieved from
https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/as-sa/98-200-x/2021004/98-200-x2021004-eng.cfm
4Middlesex-London Community Health Status Resource. (n.d.). Info Graphic: Senior Years. Retrieved from
https://communityhealthstats.healthunit.com/info-graphic
6Health Canada. (2023). Benefits of quitting smoking. Retrieved from
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/smoking-tobacco/quit-smoking.html#a2
7World Health Organization. (2023). Social Isolation and Loneliness. Retrieved from
https://www.who.int/teams/social-determinants-of-health/demographic-change-and-healthy-ageing/social-isolation-and-loneliness