Facts About the Health of Older People in B.C.

• How many older people are there in B.C.?
• How healthy are older people in B.C.?

• Life Expectancy
• Self-Reported Health
• Healthy Eating
• Physical Activity
• Tobacco Smoking
• Social Isolation
• Fall-Related Injuries
• Income
• Caregiving

How healthy are older people in B.C.? 

Income:

Income can have a significant impact on the health of older people. Data reported in 2004 indicate that:

• Only 11% of older people in B.C. have an annual personal income greater than $40,000.  (12)
• 42% of older women and 24% of older men in B.C. are low income (less than $15,000 annually). (12)
• Health status improves as income level rises, and poverty is related to poor health. (12)