Backgrounders

Discussion Paper – Keeping the Promise

In 2005, Veterans Affairs Canada asked the Gerontological Advisory Council for advice on the best way to support the health, wellness and quality of life of veterans of the First World War, the Second World War and the Korean War. The advice is also intended to benefit the growing number of Canadian Forces veterans who, in the near future, will need programs and benefits that give them a better chance to age well.

Research gathered by the Council confirms it is critical to act quickly.

A review of Veterans Affairs Canada’s current programs and services indicates that about 40% of Canada’s surviving war veterans (estimated to be about 234,000 in March 2006) receive support from the Department in the form of treatment benefits (such as medicine), residential care, and home care. Veterans of these wars now range in age from 70 to 106. At this age, there is a greater risk of becoming frail and less independent due to such things as chronic illness, a serious fall, the loss of a spouse, the loss of a driver’s license, or social isolation.

In addition, VAC provides support to about 46,000 modern-day Canadian Forces veterans. Of these, about 48% are 55 years of age or older. This is an age when access to appropriate health programs and services can help to prevent or delay the onset of health issues.

Access to proactive and integrated health services is particularly critical for veterans of all ages as it is well documented that military service can affect long-term health and well-being. Past deployments by war service veterans, as well as more recent deployments by modern-day members, can lead to immediate and long-term physical injuries not found in the general population. Stressful deployments then, and now, can have latent, long-term health effects even for those who return and reintegrate into society with little, or no, immediate signs of physical or emotional trauma.

While all these factors can influence how individuals age, poor health in the senior years is not always inevitable. There is a body of evidence that indicates that older people who have access to integrated health and social services information and activities, are healthier, enjoy a better quality of life, and are more satisfied. It can also reduce the burden on family caregivers and lead to better control over health care costs.

While many of VAC’s health programs can be considered ahead of their time, it appears that the eligibility criteria is too complex, the programs do not begin early enough to help veterans avoid or delay health problems, and there is a need for more residential and home care options.

In response, and as part of the Department’s ongoing review of its health care programs, the Council recommends a bold new approach called the Veterans Integrated Services (VIS). This approach promises to meet the immediate needs of Canada’s aging war service veterans and provide a model of care to meet the future needs of Canadian Forces veterans and serving members. To view the discussion paper and learn more about the Gerontological Advisory Council, please visit www.vac-acc.gc.ca.