Data from the CMAJ's Global Burden of Disease Study shows the overall health of Canadians is good and is consistent with similar countries, as people live longer managing diseases. The age-standardized death rate decreased by 12% from 2006 to 2016, although the age-standardized death rate from mental and substance use disorders increased by 11%. The authors suggest this trend may persist as the opioid epidemic continues in Canada. Disease trends reflect an aging population, in which, as of 2015, people over the age of 65 years outnumber younger Canadians for the first time in history. The authors of the study suggest careful planning of healthcare delivery and public health will be important as the population continues to age to support Canadians living longer with multiple diseases.
NBHC Population Health