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United Way BC Healthy Aging Priority Populations

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Why Priority Populations for United Way BC Healthy Aging? 

Over the past decade, the proportion of BC’s population that is over 65 has significantly increased – from 15% of the population in 2010 to 20% in 2022​. Within the context of limited resources and a growing seniors’ population, it is important to consider where the Community-Based Seniors’ Services (CBSS) sector can make the most impact with its programming. ​​It has been estimated that 84% of health outcomes are determined by socioeconomic factors (e.g., education, income, family and social support), the physical environment (e.g., transportation, housing), and health behaviors (e.g., diet, physical activity) 1. Older adults who have experienced racism throughout their lives may also carry the psychological burden of chronic stress. Racism related stressors, contribute to higher rates of anxiety, depression, dementia, and other mental health disorders 2

Acknowledgements

These definitions were created with input from the Learning & Evaluation (L&E) Task Force, Learning & Evaluation (L&E) Advisory Committee, and BC CBSS Leadership Council. All three groups have unique perspectives and experiences from communities across BC. We are grateful for their expertise


  1. Hood, C. M., Gennuso, K. P., Swain, G. R., & Catlin, B. B. (2016). County Health Rankings: Relationships Between Determinant Factors and Health Outcomes. American journal of preven1ve medicine50(2), 129–135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2015.08.024. 
  2. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. (CAMH). Aging and Mental Health Policy Framework. Toronto: https://www.camh.ca/-/media/files/pdfs---public-policy-submissions/camh-aging-and-mental-health-policy-framework-pdf.pdf


  • By

    United Way

  • Published

    Jan 30, 2025

  • Subject Area
    • LGBTQIA2S+
    • Intercultural/Interfaith/Interlingual; Immigrants, Refugees, and Other Newcomers
    • Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Relations
  • Audience
    • Service Providers (Non-profits, Community Organizations, Local government)
  • Category
    • Best Practices
    • CBSS Supports & Services
    • Learning & Quality Assurance/Evaluation
    • Other Resources/Services
    • Provincial Resources

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