A commentary on aging and health by Dr. Susan Kirkland, co-principal investigator of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, was published in The Chronicle-Herald on April 7, 2010.

Today, women and men in Canada who reach the age of 65 can expect to live up to another two decades. Living longer is an important goal, but not if it means living out those years with compromised quality of life. As we witness the dramatic shift in demographics in our country, there will be increased pressures in health, social and economic spheres. Maintaining health has never been more important for aging individuals and populations, and for the very fabric of our society.

World Health Day’s focus on aging and health is timely and relevant for all Canadians.

To maintain health, we require better evidence to respond to the needs of an aging population. Studies that follow people over time increase our understanding of the complex processes of aging, and are crucial to inform policy and evaluate outcomes.

For more than a decade, my colleagues and I have been laying the groundwork for an initiative that is guided by these goals. The recently launched Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) is one of the most comprehensive studies of the aging process ever undertaken. The insights generated over the coming decades promise to shape the health of Canadians for years.

The CLSA will study health and aging through the lens of 50,000 Canadians chosen at random. These men and women will participate in telephone surveys, home interviews and physical assessments, for 20 years. Two of the 11 data collection sites across the country are in the Atlantic region — at Dalhousie University in Halifax and at Memorial University in St. John’s.

At Dalhousie, we will follow 3,000 women and men aged 45 to 85 at the start. The focus of the CLSA is on healthy aging. In addition to medical, genetic and disease-related information, we will collect information on environment, lifestyle, economic status, mental health, social networks, and other important aspects of everyday life.

Aging is a multifaceted process of change in which the concept of life pathways plays a central role. As we grow older, changes in our bodies or the onset of chronic diseases may alter our physical, psychological and social functioning. But changes can operate in multiple directions at once — functioning can also influence how chronic diseases develop and progress. Our roles, lifestyle behaviours or relationships may evolve to meet changing needs and demands, and we may adapt by using novel strategies or assistive technologies to respond to these changes in resilient ways.

The CLSA will help us to understand the long-term health effects of such approaches and actions and, importantly, how this knowledge might benefit us all as we age.

The CLSA will also contribute important information about the new and diverse pathways from work to retirement that have been created by and for many individuals and families, especially women. For some, retirement will be prompted by adverse health events or job loss; for others, retirement will be voluntary and followed by years of good health.

High personal and social value is placed on maintaining independence, yet living alone can increase vulnerability to a variety of threats to successful aging such as social isolation and financial insecurity. The CLSA will expand our understanding of housing and care options that are responsive to the needs of seniors and support their desire to age in place.

Through the CLSA, we will see patterns, trends and trajectories for different groups and places. This will provide information about what innovations and strategies are needed; what kind of health interventions work best and when; what kind of policies, programs, services and community supports have the best health payback; and the role that other types of health promotion can play in helping us age well.

Over time, the CLSA will present the clearest picture we have ever had of the aging process. It will give decision-makers the evidence-based insights they need to implement programs, policies and services that improve health.

Today, World Health Day, let’s celebrate healthy aging and recognize the 50,000 Canadians who are allowing CLSA researchers to be a part of their lives for the next two decades. In partnership with the CLSA, these individuals will help us to fit together the pieces to solve the puzzle that is the aging process. Thanks to them, we have an opportunity to improve the health and quality of life for all.

Dr. Susan Kirkland is co-principal investigator of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging and a professor in the departments of community health and epidemiology and medicine at Dalhousie University. She is also a member of the Board of Governors of Northwoodcare Inc.