Self-perceived Mental Health of Older Adults in Canada

Background: In the past decade, statistics indicate that over 80% of the six million Canadians aged 65 or older resided in non-institutional settings. To sustain their health in the community, there is national evidence about the interplay among alterations in physical, emotional, cognitive, social, cultural, and geographical factors. Although much is known about mental health challenges of this population, less is known about determinants of self-perceived mental health. Aim: The primary aim of this study was to determine personal and external variables that are associated with self-perceived mental health in two groups of community dwelling Canadians aged 65 to 79 and those aged 80 and older. Methods: The study design was a secondary analysis of Canadian Community Health Survey (2014) public use micro-data file. A sub-set of health, determinants of health, and health system utilization variables were extracted for 19,502 community-dwelling older adults residing in ten provinces and three territories. Results: Self-perceived mental health was significantly associated with several personal and external variables relative to age group. For both age groups, a positive perception of mental health was predicated on self-perceived physical health, emotional functioning, general life satisfaction, sense of belonging and income. Conclusion: Findings support the potential for innovative interdisciplinary models to optimize older adults' mental health for living independently.