Prevalence of Chronic Diseases and Risk Factors among Canadians aged 65 years and older

73% of individuals aged 65+ years have at least 1 of 10 common chronic diseases^{Footnote 1}

Prevalence of the most common chronic diseases and conditions:

Hypertension 65.7%
Periodontal disease 52.0%^{Footnote 2}
Osteoarthritis 38.0%
Ischemic heart disease 27.0%
Diabetes 26.8%
Osteoporosis 25.1%
Cancer 21.5%^{Footnote 3}
COPD 20.2%
Asthma 10.7%
Mood & anxiety disorders 10.5%

Prevalence of common behavioural risk factors:

9.5% report daily or occasional tobacco use^{Footnote 3}
8.3% report exceeding low-risk drinking guidelines^{Footnote 3}
77.3% consume fruits/vegetables less than 5x a day^{Footnote 4}
40.1% & 28.1% report a BMI in the overweight & obese categories^{Footnote 3}
60.6% do not meet physical activity guidelines^{Footnote 3}
46.8% report trouble falling asleep^{Footnote 5}

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COVID-19 has had unprecedented consequences for Canada’s senior population. The Public Health Agency of Canada will be using multiple data sources to examine the impact of COVID-19 and chronic diseases on seniors.

Notes

Prevalence data are from the Canadian Chronic Disease Surveillance System 2016–2017, except where noted:

Footnote 1

The ten selected chronic conditions described include heart disease, stroke, cancer [ever had], asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer disease or other dementia, mood and anxiety disorders. Data are self-reported from the Canadian Community Health Survey 2017–2018.

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Footnote 2

Canadian Health Measures Survey 2007–2009 (ages 65–79 years).

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Footnote 3