MONTREAL, January 29, 2026 – Nearly 80% of Quebecers aged 65 and over currently report being in good health, but a growing senior population-projected to significantly increase by 2031-is creating urgent public health challenges that demand proactive solutions.
Aging in Quebec: A Demographic Shift
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The province is bracing for a considerable rise in its 65+ population, necessitating adaptations to support healthy, autonomous living.
- Quebec’s aging population is driven by increased life expectancy and declining birth rates.
- Maintaining seniors’ autonomy requires accessible services, housing, and transportation.
- Chronic diseases and multimorbidity are increasingly prevalent among older adults.
- Social isolation and loneliness pose significant risks to seniors’ well-being.
Population aging is a global trend, but Quebec is experiencing it acutely. The increase in life expectancy coupled wiht a drop in birth rates means a larger proportion of the population will be 65 and over. projections indicate the most significant increase will occur by 2031, presenting several challenges for society and public health.
Healthy Aging: A Holistic Approach
the concept of Healthy aging emphasizes improving and preserving the physical, social, and mental health of seniors, allowing them to maintain their autonomy and quality of life throughout their lives. An integrative model focuses on acting at the individual, community, and environmental levels-physical, sociocultural, political, and economic-to promote equity.
Safety and the built Environment
Where we live profoundly impacts the health and independence of seniors. housing,neighborhood design,transportation,and public spaces must be adapted to meet their needs. Features like accessible sidewalks, safe crosswalks, and well-maintained public transportation are crucial for enabling seniors to remain active and engaged in their communities.
Swift fact: Multimorbidity-the presence of at least two chronic diseases-affects 56% of people aged 65 and over, rising to approximately 7 out of 10 for those 75 and over.
According to the 2024 Report of the national director of public health, chronic diseases place a significant burden on Quebec, leading to premature deaths and disabilities. Furthermore, seniors are at increased risk from certain infections, and vaccination rates against seasonal flu, pneumonia, shingles, and COVID-19 could be improved.
Polypharmacy and Medication Risks
Chronic diseases and multimorbidity often lead to polypharmacy-the use of multiple medications-in seniors, with an average of 8 prescribed medications per year. This can increase the risk of falls and hospitalizations.
Around 6% of people aged 65 and over living at home in quebec experience abuse,which can occur in trusted relationships-within couples,families,or with caregivers.
Seniors, like people of all ages, need social interaction and support networks for their health and well-being. Isolation and loneliness have detrimental effects on both physical and mental health.Factors like ageism, inaccessible environments, and insecurity can increase the risk, often in combination.
Addressing social isolation requires a collaborative approach involving public, private, and community sectors, as well as the active participation of citizens, seniors, and their families. A publication from 2020 highlighted strategies to combat social isolation and loneliness during the pandemic.
Resilience and Support for Caregivers
Approximately 1 in 5 seniors act as caregivers, demonstrating their vital role in the health network. Supporting the resilience of seniors-whether they are ill or healthy-requires opportunities to acquire knowledge and skills, enabling them to participate in decisions about their care.
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