Older Canadians Thrive After Health Challenges, Study Reveals

Ken Martens, a 79-year-old resident of Winnipeg, has made a remarkable recovery after facing severe health challenges last year. Following a series of blackouts and falls, he was admitted to the hospital in February 2024, where doctors diagnosed him with heart failure. Equipped with a pacemaker that regulates his heartbeat, Martens has transformed his life through consistent exercise and social engagement at the One Family Fitness Centre. “I feel like I’m in better or as good health as I’ve ever been,” he stated, reflecting on his new lease on life.

This story is not an isolated incident. According to a recent study published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS One, nearly a quarter of older Canadians experience recovery from periods of poor health. The research was conducted by a team from the University of Toronto, led by Esme Fuller-Thomson, a professor and director of the Institute for Life Course and Aging. Fuller-Thomson noted, “A lot of people say, for older adults, it’s an inevitable decline until you are in disability, then death. That was not our finding here. Many people who were struggling were able to reclaim optimal well-being.”

The study tracked over 8,300 older Canadians facing various health challenges, including psychological issues and chronic pain, over three years. The findings indicated that those who maintained physical activity, social connections, and psychological wellness were significantly more likely to recover from health setbacks.

Physical Activity and Social Connection as Key Factors

Mabel Ho, a research affiliate at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Social Work and co-author of the study, emphasized the importance of proactive health measures. “Keeping yourself physically active, not being obese, not smoking, having good sleep — those are things that we can all do,” she said. The correlation between social support and recovery was also notable, as individuals lacking strong social ties struggled, with fewer than one in ten regaining their health.

Fuller-Thomson identified loneliness as a critical issue impacting recovery rates among older adults. “Loneliness is an epidemic among older adults,” she remarked, expressing particular concern for recently retired individuals and those who have lost a spouse. The workplace often serves as a primary venue for social interactions, and losing this connection can have detrimental effects.

Greg Karman, 63, is currently navigating grief after the loss of his wife. Just days after her passing, he returned to the gym where they once worked out together. “I can tune out the rest of the feelings and work out for a few hours — it’s part of the [grieving] process,” he shared. Karman also highlighted the supportive community at the gym, noting that everyone knew his wife and rallied around him during this challenging time.

The Role of Psychological Support in Recovery

In addition to physical and social factors, psychological support plays a crucial role in recovery. Fuller-Thomson pointed out that therapeutic interventions, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, can be effective for older adults dealing with depression and anxiety.

Dr. Samir Sinha, a geriatrician at Sinai Health in Toronto, acknowledged that many older patients feel discouraged when confronted with the rapid loss of physical function. “It’s incredibly demoralizing when people see how quickly they can lose function,” he commented. However, studies like the one from the University of Toronto offer a glimmer of hope, demonstrating that resilience is possible at any age.

As families gather for occasions like Thanksgiving, Sinha encourages checking in on older relatives, emphasizing the importance of support and connection. “Thanksgiving is a great time where we get together, see how we are doing in person, and then really kind of [provide] encouragement and support to our loved ones,” he said.

The findings from this research challenge the prevailing notion of inevitable decline among older adults. With the right combination of physical activity, social engagement, and psychological support, many can navigate health challenges and enhance their quality of life, as exemplified by the inspiring stories of individuals like Ken Martens and Greg Karman.