With many Canadians getting older, it is reassuring that seniors are ranking well in overall happiness compared to other age groups, especially as they transition into nursing care at a senior care home. In fact, senior’s overall satisfaction and quality of life ranks high and are some of the most highly satisfied groups in Canada.

A recent Stats Canada study explored nine various aspects of life, including health, personal appearance, safety, personal relationships, standard of living, and free time. It reported that more than 80% of Canadian seniors reported “always” or “often” having someone on whom they could depend to help if it were needed.

The Stats Canada and Monitoring Senior Services 2018 studies are extensive and reported many interesting findings which we will go briefly in this blog post. It was based upon the 2016 General Social Survey on Canadians at Work and Home which is the most recent data Stats Canada has collected.

Seniors Are More Satisfied Than Younger Generations

Seniors between the ages of 60 and 80 have a higher life satisfaction score than men and women from the ages of 20 years to 50 years and the study shows life satisfaction generally increases with age. There was also a positive correlation between life satisfaction and life achievements, health, standard of living, personal relationships, community and “time available to for recreational activates. In addition, senior women had higher levels of life satisfaction than men and immigrants reported higher satisfaction levels than those born in Canada.

Most Of The Senior Population Is Reasonably Healthy.

This should come as no surprise. Of course, one of the most critical factors in determining seniors’ quality of life is health. Seniors who are healthy are more active and are able to enjoy their life more. According to the Stats Can report, only 8% of BC seniors are considered frail requiring residential care, palliative care or home support. General satisfaction among seniors is also highest when it comes to safety, quality of their local environment, and their personal relationships.

 Seniors Are Waiting Longer for Long-Term Care

The number of seniors waiting for long-term care has increased by seven percent in the last year. While a seven percent increase may not seem high, it shows an increasing trend for the need for more beds and more senior care centers. According to the BC report, people on the waiting list wait on average anywhere from 14 days in Vancouver to 147 days in Northern BC to get a long-term bed. Similar wait times are seen across Canada.

Summary

Canada’s population is rapidly aging and predictions are by 2036, a quarter of the population will be 65 years or older. Thankfully, Canadian seniors’ quality of life is still very high — and the general satisfaction among seniors reflects this. There’s an ever-growing need for long-term care options and at Lynn Valley Care Centre we fulfill that need whether it’s for government-subsidized beds or private pay options. If you’d like to book a tour give us a call or fill out one of our online forms.