Common chronic conditions of the ageing population

The following 8 chronic conditions are present in over 10% of the Canadian population who are 65 years or older, and with increasing age, there are greater amounts of people living with multiple conditions simultaneously.

• Hypertension
• Arthritis
• Spine/back problems (injury or condition)
• Eye conditions
• Cardiovascular disease
• Osteoporosis
• Diabetes
• Urinary incontinence

Importance of exercise for ageing adults

Chronic conditions may be prevalent among the aging Canadian population, but that does not mean that there is nothing that can be done to promote a healthy lifestyle among this group. In fact, remaining physically active has been deemed a “health-promoting behaviour” by Health Canada, meaning that physical activity can help an individual maintain a healthy lifestyle, and potentially mitigate some of the risks associated with their chronic condition(s).

Therefore, regardless of an individual’s age or current health status (i.e. living with 0, 1, 2, or 3 chronic conditions), physical activity should be a priority for the aging population to optimize their health and well-being.

Health-Promoting behaviours for the ageing population

What are some other “health-promoting behaviours” that the aging population should prioritize in their day-to-day lives?

In addition to remaining physically active, there are many other things that older individuals can do, living with chronic conditions or not, to promote a healthy lifestyle:

• Smoking cessation
• Healthy eating, including eating fruits and vegetables regularly
• Safe, smart, and non-excessive alcohol consumption