Seniors

The population of Canada is going through a dramatic shift where one in four Canadians will be over the age of 65, by 2036; projections note that the aging population is at a high risk for experiencing mental health issues. Nova Scotia’s population is leading the aging population trend with more than 20% of its residents aged 65 and older. As such if the mental health and well-being of the aging population in Nova Scotia is left unaddressed, the social, economic and political impact on the province will be far-reaching. Positive aging literature clearly demonstrates the benefits inherent in the provision of psychosocial – resilience community-based supports and services to prevent mental ill-health, promote wellness and enhance the quality of life in an aging population. i, ii, iii.

 1 The Chief Public Health Officer’s Report on the State of Public Health in Canada, 2014: Public Health in the Future

2 MacCourt P., Wilson K., & Tourigny-Rivard M-F. (2011). Guidelines for Comprehensive Mental Health Services for Older Adults in Canada. Calgary, AB: Mental Health Commission of Canada

 i  World Health Organization. Global Age-friendly cities: A guide. Geneva (Switzerland): World Health Organization. 2007. 

211 – Nova Scotia Older Adult Services

Web Resources:

Moving to Long-term Care – Alzheimer’s Society of Canada

Be Prepared for an Emergency Room Visit – Alzheimer’s Society of Canada