New NIA Report Highlights Significant Gaps in Health Care Access for Older Adults
As Canada’s population continues to age, the demands on the health care system are intensifying. Based on data from the NIA’s 2023 Ageing in Canada Survey, a new report, Health Care Access Among Older Canadians, examines the challenges Canadians 50+ face in accessing health care services and the many ways the Canadian health care system is struggling to meet the complex needs of older adults.
The NIA’s 2023 Ageing in Canada Survey reveals that many older Canadians struggle to get the care they need, despite typically requiring more frequent access to health services due to chronic conditions and multi-morbidity. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these challenges, by accelerating staff shortages, delayed care, and increased wait times. The report warns that access to a regular primary care provider may be even worse than what was previously understood, with nearly 5 million older Canadians without access to reliable primary care.
