Older Women's Health Report
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Authors:
Paula A. Rochon
Susan E. Bronskill
(SETTINGS OF CARE FOR OLDER ADULTS CO-LEAD)
Andrea Gruneir
(SETTINGS OF CARE FOR OLDER ADULTS CO-LEAD)
Barbara Liu
(CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT LEAD)
Ashley Johns
Amanda T. Lo
Arlene S. Bierman
Aging is an important women’s health issue. Canada’s aging population is presenting unique challenges to the health system on multiple fronts. Women comprise the majority of the older population and have different patterns of illness and health needs than men. In 2005, 13% of the Canadian population was aged 65 or older, and this number is projected to increase to more than 25% by 2056. Older adults have a high burden of chronic disease and multiple chronic conditions requiring a patient-centred (rather than a disease-specific) approach to their care. Both social and biological factors result in important differences in the health and the health care needs of older women and men. Older women are more likely to have a greater burden of illness including multiple chronic conditions, more functional limitations, and a higher prevalence of disability then older men. Therefore, the mismatch between the way health and supportive care services are organized and the needs of older adults disproportionately impacts women.
