Submission on Canada’s Men and Boys’ Health Strategy

The National Institute on Ageing submitted recommendations to Health Canada to help shape Canada’s new Men and Boys’ Health Strategy, emphasizing the importance of reflecting Canada’s growing older population in future health policy. As Canada is now a super-aged nation, the NIA called for a life course approach that recognizes how social norms, structural barriers and major life transitions influence men’s health and well-being over time. Drawing on evidence from the NIA’s 2025 Ageing in Canada Survey, the submission highlights key challenges facing older men, including high rates of social isolation, poor health and lower access to primary care providers compared to older women.

The submission also underscores the NIA’s role in advancing research and policy solutions that support healthy ageing and improve the well-being of older Canadians. The NIA recommends targeted, gender-responsive strategies that encourage emotional literacy, stronger social connections and greater community participation throughout life. The submission notes that many older men experience small social networks and limited social engagement, increasing their risk of loneliness and poorer physical and mental health outcomes, particularly among those living alone.