Recently the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada released its 2013 Report on the Health of Canadians. Research by the foundation reveals a 10-year gap between how long Canadians are living and how long they live in good health
According to the foundation, this means the average Canadian may live a decade of sickness, disability and immobility due to heart disease, stroke and other chronic conditions. However, the foundation believes this gap can be shrunk considerably through lifestyle choices, which would add health to later years.
The report is of particular interest to Canadian baby boomers, those individuals born between 1946 and 1965 who are now into or approaching retirement. A poll conducted by the foundation determined that Canadian boomers plan to spend their later years of life travelling, being active around the house, volunteering, spending time with family, taking up hobbies or even working. However, the 2013 report suggests that boomers may not get the quality time they are anticipating unless they are willing to make some significant changes in lifestyle now rather than later.
Most Canadians are under the impression that they live healthy lives, however the foundation discovered that many, particularly boomers, have a tendency to overlook some very significant health choices that will affect their health later on in life.
According to statistics gathered by the foundation, 87 per cent of Alberta boomers consume less than five servings of vegetables and fruit per day. Only 38 per cent of Alberta boomers are moderately active for 30 to 60 minutes three times a week. Up to 30 per cent of Alberta boomers are always or often stressed. At least 12 per cent of Alberta boomers eat food with high salt content. Smoking is still an issue for 23 per cent of Alberta boomers and eight per cent drink alcohol to excess. According to the foundation, these unhealthy lifestyle choices are catching up with Canadians and leading to heart disease and stroke.
While the foundation’s research suggests boomers are worried about their health, their lifestyle habits do not reflect their concerns. According to the foundation, by making lifestyle changes in five key risk behaviours, Canadians can change their futures and be healthier in their later years, so they can live the lives they aspire to live.
1. Increase physical activity – active living helps maintain good heart health.
2. Maintain a nutritious and balanced diet.
3. Stop smoking.
4. Relieve stress in healthy ways.
5. Limit alcohol consumption.
The foundation seeks to assist Canadians in living longer and healthier lives and urges them to visit MakeHealthLast.ca. The website includes the foundation’s resources and e-vools to identify risk behaviours and useful information to increase quality of life.
