Atlantic Canadians living longer but with poorer health, study shows

The physical health of Atlantic Canadians is the worst in the country because of chronic conditions plaguing people, a new study details.

The data is from the Atlantic Economic Council, which uses numbers from the Public Health Agency of Canada, population, inflation data and health care spending. The numbers paint a picture of Canadians living longer but with poorer health conditions, which, according to the report, affects over 50 per cent of adults across the four Atlantic provinces.

It notes that Canadians on the east coast are physically worse off than anywhere else in the country. Fewer than half reported their health positively in 2023, which is under the 52 per cent nationally, data from Statistics Canada in the report notes.

“There’s a really important relationship between health and our health care system and the economy,” Patrick Brannon, the lead on the research, told The Todd Veinotte Show. “If we’re not healthy, we’re not potentially in the workforce or not as effective or productive in the workforce.”

Over half of Atlantic Canadians report they have at least one chronic condition, which can include arthritis, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, stroke and mood disorders.

Nova Scotia has the lowest number (54 per cent) in the region reporting chronic conditions, whereas Newfoundland and Labrador has the highest (59 per cent). Both are above the trendline across the country.

Obesity is more common in Atlantic Canada than anywhere in Canada, with 42 per cent reported being obese in 2023, versus 30 per cent nationally. Nova Scotia was the highest in this category at 46 per cent. The province also led the country in arthritis prevalence, a common condition among older adults.

Costing billions every year

According to the report, the economic burden of chronic conditions on the region amounts to nearly $22 billion annually. Mental health issues add another $11 billion annually, which can represent health costs of 17 and 19 per cent, respectively, of the regional gross domestic product.

Part of the reason for the higher health issues is because the population is aging in Atlantic Canada, but Brannon said there are other factors.

“Lifestyle behaviours, like higher rates of drinking and smoking, and lower levels of physical activity, are things that really drive (health issues),” he said.

One of the main concerns Brannon has is how the government and industries are “reacting” to the issues.

“But really, we need to spend a bit more time on the front of things, educating people about how important good health is and how much of an impact it can have on families and the broader economy,” he said.

Socioeconomic factors also contribute to health outcomes, the report reads. Things like income inequality, education, employment and rising housing costs can add to overall poor health.

Poverty in Atlantic Canada is estimated to cost the region $4.6 billion annually in lost productivity and social service spending, the study notes.