Patterns of illness show the fastest-growing conditions in eastern Ontario

As Ottawa’s population ages, so too does the health issues mounting in the city and across eastern Ontario.

A new report by the Ontario Hospital Association details what types of chronic illnesses will become more prevalent across the province and for what age groups. The statistics were prepared by the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto, and it showcases how the diseases will impact each area of Ontario.

By 2040, there will be about 3.1 million people living with “major illness.” Not all are the oldest people in the province; the report notes that one in four adults over the age of 30 will have a major illness in 2040.

“This represents the most significant increase among any age group and highlights the scale of challenges the province’s healthcare system is facing,” the report notes.

The complexity and earlier onset of chronic illnesses are of particular concern, OHA writes.

5 fastest growing illnesses in eastern Ontario

In this report, eastern Ontario stretches from just outside of Toronto to the Quebec border, and it encompasses the major municipalities of Peterborough, Belleville, Kingston, Ottawa, and everything in between.

Between 2020 and 2040, patterns are showing that kidney disease and failure, hearing loss, Crohn’s and colitis, substance use disorders and dementia are the major illnesses impacting eastern Ontario and are likely to increase.

This is based on a percentage change over the decades.

By 2040, the report details that the most common chronic conditions are likely to be osteoarthritis, hypertension, asthma, diabetes and hearing loss.

It expects that rates of no illness should remain stable in 2040 when compared to historical rates in 2002. But, a “sharp rise” can be seen for major illnesses for people aged 70 to 89.

Population shifting in Ottawa

According to population projections, the nation’s capital is expected to hit 1.68 million people by 2051, a report from Hemson Consulting reads. While it’ll be mostly driven by migration, the city’s age structure will be changing.

The biggest growth is expected among working-age adults and seniors. Growth in the senior population emphasizes a need for increased accessible housing, health care, transit and community services, the city says.

While the population is aging, the city’s report predicts that people will stay in the workforce longer.

“About two-thirds of the population growth are within the typical working ages of 15 to 64, and more than 20 per cent of those 65 and over are projected to continue participating in the labour force,” it states.

With files from CityNews’ Rachel Morgan.