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The aging population in Canada and increasing demand for senior care

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Canada’s population is aging. Over the next 10 years, 5.1 million Canadians will reach the age of 65 and the proportion of seniors in the Canadian population will rise 4.1%, from 16.9% to 21.0%. The population in every province and territory is getting older, ranging from a percentage change of the over-65 population of 3.0% in Manitoba to 8.7% in Newfoundland and Labrador. The number of seniors in Canada has now surpassed that of children and it is projected that this gap will widen at an accelerated pace due to the aging baby-boom generation.

Canadians over the age of 65 make up less than one-fifth of the population, but just under half of all healthcare spending. The annual cost of healthcare for the average senior in Canada is more than four times higher than those aged 64 and below. Population aging will add roughly $93 billion to healthcare costs over the next decade in Canada.

Seniors face a variety of health conditions that can be complex or chronic, requiring care. Three-quarters of seniors report having one or more chronic conditions and about one in every four reports having three or more. The prevalence of multiple health conditions among seniors highlights the need for and importance of senior care.

In a recent international survey, more than half of Canadians aged 55 and older indicated that they found it very or somewhat difficult to receive medical care in the evenings, on weekends, or holidays, unless they went to an emergency department. Additionally, these Canadians were found to have the longest wait time to see a specialist and be less likely to have timely access to healthcare.

A study conducted by the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) estimates that the demand for senior care will nearly double by 2031. Specifically, the demand for home care will increase to approximately 1.8 million patients, up over 600,000 in 2019.

By using Boom Health, you can book caregivers to help look after yourself or your loved ones. Senior care can range from 24-hour care to a Registered Nurse or Personal Support Worker who checks in on and assists your loved one for a couple of hours per day. Check out the Boom Health app on the App Store or Google Play Store today!

Reference: CMA

This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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