ON Chiropractic
Adjust for
the Future
Addressing Senior-Specific
Concerns Now
Canadians are getting older, living longer with diverse
health needs in later years – approximately six million
Canadians are now seniors. Older adults are also
Canada’s fastest growing population. The proportion of
seniors is expected to reach up to twenty-five per cent
of the population by 2036 .1 Despite this long range
forecast, an increase in older adults is already having a
profound effect on our health care system.
Partnered with these demographics is a foreseeable increase in people who will
experience age-related complex chronic conditions and musculoskeletal (MSK)
challenges, such as osteoarthritis (OA), osteoporosis and sarcopenia. Health care
providers and policy makers need to collaborate and work toward a more fully
integrated system of health and social services that emphasize health promotion and
illness prevention within the senior population. The ramifications of isolated efforts
to manage seniors’ health care will not support a long-term, integrated continuum of
care for Canadians.
In addressing the health care needs of seniors, chiropractors need to come
prepared with proactive and preventative treatment plans that support older adults,
and also caregivers.
As our population continues to age, how will chiropractors adjust?
From a patient perspective, here are questions that may be important to seniors:
• How can I stay safe while being active in later years?
• What can I do to prevent a fall that might debilitate me?
• What programs are available to help me with my hip and knee issues?
• Where can I get information on the physical, psychological and sociological implications
of getting older?
• Does my chiropractor know about community services that can support me at home and
on the move?
Being able to adapt, prepare and collaborate is key to helping older adults thrive.
www.chiropractic.on.ca
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