Vulnerable groups in Canada can be described as populations or groups that are vulnerable to environmental risks due to physical differences, behaviours, location or control over their environment (Government of Canada, 2011). Vulnerable groups commonly have weakened defenses, making them more susceptible to harm. These defenses; which are often referred to as the social determinants of health could include food, shelter, adequate income, education, healthcare, family, friends, and laws and polices protecting and promoting their interests or beliefs (Vulnerable Persons Standards, 2017). Individuals and groups that have limited forms of these defenses become more vulnerable to illnesses, diseases and death (Vulnerable Persons Standards, 2017). Individuals that are vulnerable may also have difficulties coping and finding social supports, isolated or reclusive, living unsanitary or unsafe living conditions, at risk of homelessness and developing complex physical and mental health problems (City of Toronto, 2018).
In Canada, examples of vulnerable groups or populations include children and pregnant women, aboriginal peoples and seniors (Government of Canada, 2011). Older adults or seniors are considered the fastest growing age group in Canada. Approximately 5.0 million individuals in Canada were 65 years or older in 2011; this estimate is expected to double in the next 25 years to 10.4 million (Guruge, Birpreet & Samuels-Dennis, 2015). The majority of the senior population in the city of Toronto is made of immigrants of a wide range of different cultural, ethnic and racial background, whom had migrated from other countries recently or many years ago (City of Toronto, 2017). The health of older immigrants is very important to Canadian clinicians, health care managers, and policymakers due to the idea that older immigrant’s health is a vital measure of population health and issues related to the healthcare system costs and adequacy (Guruge et al., 2015).
Immigrants as a whole often report disappointment in meeting their health care needs. Senior immigrants whose first language is not English are more likely to report unmet needs in comparison to their English speaking counter parts (Matunda, 2017). It is reported that in the past 15 years, approximately two-thirds of immigrants aged 50 and up have no knowledge of either English or French when they first come into the country (Mujahid & Klassen, 2011). Female immigrants 65 and older are even more less likely to speak English or French (Mujahid & Klassen, 2011). Language barriers and diminished access to familiar foods and activities can lead to social isolation, depression and decreased physical health among senior immigrants (Matunda, 2017). In addition, senior immigrants are at a disadvantage in the labor market due to their inability to speak English or French (Mujahid & Klassen, 2011). In order to gradually eliminate these barriers that prevent senior immigrants from attaining the optimal benefits of Canadian life, the Canadian government should implement the following: provide more opportunities for older immigrants to learn English and French upon arrival in the country, and allow older immigrants to take on paid employment by implementing flexibility in recognizing non-Canadian education credentials and work experiences (Mujahid & Klassen, 2011).
References
City of Toronto. (2017). Healthy Aging in Toronto. Retrieved from https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8c15-tph-healthy-aging-in-toronto-2017-march.pdf
City of Toronto. (2018). Vulnerable Adults and Seniors. Retrieved from https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/vulnerable-adults-and-seniors/
Government of Canada. (2011). Vulnerable Populations. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/environmental-contaminants/vulnerable-populations.html
Guruge, S., Birpreet, B., & Samuels-Dennis, J. A. (2015). Health Status and Health Determinants of Older Immigrant Women in Canada: A Scoping Review. Journal of Aging Research, 2015, 393761. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4530267/
Matunda,T.K. (2017, June 8). Canada’s immigrant population is getting older. How should retirement homes adapt? CBC. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/2017/canada-s-immigrant-population-is-getting-older-how-should-retirement-homes-adapt-1.4067769
Mujahid, G., & Klassen, T. (2011, June 27). Canada’s neglected (immigrant) seniors. The Globe and Mail. Retrieved from https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/canadas-neglected-immigrant-seniors/article584849/
Vulnerable Persons Standard (VPS). (2017). Why Vulnerability Matters. Retrieved from http://www.vps-npv.ca/why-vulnerability-matters