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.?

Social Isolation:

Social isolation contributes to declines in physical and mental functioning among older people.

• Social isolation can contribute to poor nutrition, low physical and social activity, fatigue, anxiety and depression, higher levels of disability and chronic disease, lower use of appropriate health services, premature institutionalization and earlier death.
• A recent Canadian survey showed that older people who reported a strong sense of community belonging were more likely to be in good health (62%) than were those who felt less connected (49%). (9)
• A sense of belonging and participation promotes resilience in health and well-being. (10)