Older adults are defined as those aged 65 years and older, this population are the fastest growing part of the Canadian population, consisting of 15.7% of the Canadian population as of July 1, 2014. The population of older adults will continue to rise and grow across Canada. By 2063, it is appraised that between 24 and 28 percent of Canada’s population will be aged 65 and older (Statistics Canada 2014a).
Research shows that throughout the developed world, not only are people living longer, but are doing so in better physical and cognitive health (Christensen et al. 2013). Though a high percentage of Canadian older adults report living in good health well past the age of 65, more than 25% are restricted in their ability to do