Examining multimorbidity, social and physical functioning and health-care utilization in Canada

In Canada the majority of older adults live with more than one chronic condition. While much is known about the effect of individual chronic conditions on people’s ability to undertake their everyday activities, less is known about the effect of having multiple chronic conditions. It is likely that chronic conditions (or combinations of chronic conditions) may impact everyday activities differently in men compared to women, and people who are middle-aged adults (45 to 55 years old) compared to older adults (65-74 or 75-85 years old). We will use data from the CLSA to better understand which combinations of chronic conditions have the greatest impact on everyday activities (social and physical) and health-care use in middle-aged and older men and women in Canada. Understanding these differences could help to increase the efficiency and quality of clinical care and improve public health.