Addressing the Coming of Age and Its Related Complexities Among Canada’s Veterans

November 8, 2024
By: Dr. Madison Brydges; Elizabeth Mebrahtu; Ellie Maclennan; Dr. Ashley Flanagan; Dr. David Pedlar; Dr. John Muscedere; Dr. Samir Sinha

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The National Institute on Ageing (NIA) in partnership with the Canadian Institute for Military and Veterans Health Research (CIMVHR) and the Canadian Frailty Network (CFN) has released a groundbreaking new report calling for the urgent development of a comprehensive strategy to support Canada’s ageing Veterans.

The report, Addressing the Coming of Age and its Related Complexities Among Canada’s Veterans, highlights our ageing Veteran population and the growing challenges they face, including complex physical and mental health conditions that require specialized care.

With two-thirds of Canada’s Veterans now over the age of 55, many of them are at risk of worsening health due to service-related injuries and conditions such as chronic pain, post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. This puts them at increased risk of accelerated ageing, frailty, social isolation, and premature need for long-term care (LTC). The report stresses the need for a proactive, preventative health strategy for today’s Veterans, and to build on existing programs by enhancing mental health and caregiver supports.