Experts in the field

Many people might not consider the occasional fall to come with too many risks,but for seniors, the consequences can be serious.

By now everyone has read, seen or heard the statistics surrounding seniors. Centenarians are the largest growing population segment in Canada, followed closely by seniors over age 85.

Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions affecting Canadians over the age of 65, and the number of older Canadians with hearing loss is growing fast.

The reality is that many eye diseases have no symptoms and a verdict of 20/20 vision doesn’t necessarily mean all is well.

The Canadian Frailty Network (CFN) is Canada’s leading network for seniors living with frailty. But the CFN takes great care to make it clear that frailty and age are not interchangeable terms, discussing how complex the issue is and how proactive efforts can help in caring for the frail population.

Former CMA president Dr. Chris Simpson publishes article on the wait time problem in Canadian health care; stresses the effect on seniors.

Finding a retirement residence can be an overwhelming process for seniors and their adult children. As such, more businesses are beginning to offer advisory services and counsel to assist families with this major life transition.

In 2010, Ian, my partner, learned he had terminal cancer. In 2014 he was in the final weeks of his cancer journey – and I became his sole caregiver. 

What is technological literacy? According to our research and Students for Seniors’ technology tutoring experience over the last three years, it is the ability, curiosity and attitude to confidently explore and discover new and existing technologies and to use them to enhance one’s lifestyle.

Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions affecting Canadians over the age of 65, and the number of older Canadians with hearing loss is growing fast.

By 2024, seniors will account for 20 per cent of our population, meaning more Canadians will be at greater risk of the “top four” eye diseases and a significantly reduced quality of life.

Shared housing provides a way for seniors to remain independent, while reducing the financial, physical and social challenges that often accompany aging.

Recent survey results indicate that approximately 8.2% of older adults are affected by elder abuse in Canada. However, given that only one in five incidents is disclosed to someone in a position to help, this rate is likely much higher.

Like many Canadians, you may see either an optometrist or a general ophthalmologist for your regular eye exams while your eyes are healthy. Unfortunately, eye conditions or disorders can develop in spite of a good eye health care program.

While it is impossible to predict a person’s future oral health care costs, it may be worth having a discussion with your oral health care provider about what you might expect in the next 5, 10 or even 15 years.

There’s reason to be hopeful in the area of nursing home care today. The industry has been maturing to better meet the needs of increasingly frail seniors at the end of their lives.

It can be difficult for a senior person to recognize they are being abused when the perpetrator is a relative. It is equally difficult to admit you’ve been the victim of a phone scam—no one wants to look stupid. And let’s not forget the possible fear of reprisal for reporting mistreatment.

As more Canadians are living longer, the Memory Fitness® program was created with the goal of helping older adults rejuvenate their brain and slow the memory loss or cognitive decline associated with aging, using a recreational and fun approach.

This is the story of Mr. S. and it illustrates how we could be doing better for the good of patients and the sustainably of the health care system.

The old adage “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is true in all areas of life but especially when it comes to health, particularly as we advance in years.

There is a disturbing assumption among many adults that losing one’s vision is a natural part of the aging process. While there are certainly some natural changes that happen in the eye as we grow older, they need not lead to blindness.

No one is exempt from mistreatment: it can affect people of all ages, genders, religions, races and ethnic origins. In Canada the problem has not been well understood because no one knew for sure how extensive the problem was, who was affected or why they were affected.

When caring for older patients, Thornton says physicians should not only be talking about medication, but also about what can be done as an adjunct to therapy or in some cases to replace medication altogether.

Canada is in the midst of a major demographic shift. As Canadians are living longer, many are more engaged with their own health. With a longer lifespan comes the burden of chronic disease, including dementia and mental illness.

Are we ever truly prepared to intervene in lives shattered by illness or grief or to accompany a person and their family towards the end of life?

As the only growing age group nationwide, seniors represent the future of our country for foreseeable decades. What role should our health care system play in helping Canadians invest in this future?

Dr. Ben Robert, medical director of the Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre in Ottawa. Dr. Robert shares his insights into how medical curricula should reflect the shift in patient demographics.

It’s far from typical for a rookie MP to be sworn in as Canada’s health minister. And it’s far from typical for a physician — and a Canadian Medical Association (CMA) member at that — to fill the job.

What if the health system - which you supported with your taxes and depended on your entire life - is not able to care for you in the way you'd like, just when you need it most?

We are proud to partner with organizations across Canada who also support our call for a national seniors strategy.