Canadians are living longer than ever. Seniors outnumber children for the first time in Canada’s history and, by 2056, a third of the population will be 65 or older. That demographic shift is already having a significant impact on health care. Seniors account for nearly half of all health care spending. In many communities, older adults can spend up to three years waiting for long-term care, occupying hospital beds that are needed for patients requiring surgery or emergency treatment.
As the population continues to age, wait times — and costs to the system — will climb even higher. Critical investments must be made now to deliver more effective, accessible care for seniors.
The CMA is advocating for a national plan to address all aspects of seniors care, including long-term, palliative and home care. We are also urging the federal government to top up the Canada Health Transfer, providing additional financial support to provinces with higher numbers of seniors. While our advocacy has led to significant achievements, including the creation of the federal cabinet position of Minister of Seniors in July 2018, there’s still more to be done. We encourage all physicians to join the conversation.
Physician Changemakers
2018 CMA / Conference Board of Canada report
annual cost of health care for the average senior vs. $2,700/person for the rest of the population
2015 Conference Board of Canada report
increase in the number of seniors needing continuing care from 2011 to 2026
2017 Canadian Home Care Association report
in unpaid labour provided by caregivers including medical and personal care
2018 CMA / Conference Board of Canada report
in additional health care costs over the next 10 years due to aging