The Lifespan Plateau in Canada
According to The Globe and Mail and recent national health statistics, Canada’s life expectancy has flatlined for the first time in decades. After reaching a peak of 82.3 years in 2019, it declined during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has struggled to rebound fully. As of the latest available data from Statistics Canada (2023), the average life expectancy is still below pre-pandemic levels, hovering around 81.6 years.
But while the pandemic certainly contributed, experts emphasize that deeper systemic issues are at play:
1. Rising Chronic Disease Among Seniors
The number of Canadian seniors living with multiple chronic conditions (like diabetes, hypertension, and osteoporosis) is steadily increasing. These conditions reduce mobility, impair balance, and heighten the risk of falls. Falls are now a leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations in seniors aged 65+.
- According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), nearly one-third of Canadian seniors fall every year. Moreover, falls account for 85% of injury-related hospitalizations in older adults.
2. Delayed Access to Care
Post-pandemic strain on healthcare services has made it harder for older adults to access timely care, home support, or rehabilitation. As a result, preventable injuries – especially falls – often go untreated or result in longer hospital stays. This situation decreases functional recovery and increases mortality risk.
3. Mental Health and Isolation
Social isolation among seniors, particularly those living alone, is strongly linked to both poor physical health outcomes and reduced life expectancy. Loneliness also leads to sleep disturbance, cognitive decline, and increased fall risk. All of which could be mitigated with proactive monitoring solutions at home.
A 2022 study published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) found that socially isolated older adults were 26% more likely to experience functional decline, and 32% more likely to suffer from a fall within a 12-month period.
What Does This Mean?
It is helpful to shift the conversation from lifespan to healthspan – the period of life spent in good health and independence. For Canadian seniors, that often begins with safety at home.
This is where wearable fall detection devices like Bedford’s Home Freedom system become essential. They serve not as reactive tools, but as preventive healthcare technology that supports daily living, reduces hospital admissions, and offers peace of mind to families across Canada.
Aging in Place: The Canadian Senior’s Goal
More seniors than ever are choosing to age in place – to live at home instead of moving to long-term care. However, this independence comes with risk:
- Bathroom slips
- Nighttime disorientation
- Chronic mobility issues
- Medical emergencies when no one is around
Without support, these risks turn into hospitalizations, long-term injuries, or worse.
The Solution: A Wearable Medical Alert System Built for Canada
That’s why thousands of families across the country are choosing Bedford’s Home Freedom Medical Alert System. It is a lightweight, waterproof, wearable fall detection device trusted by seniors from Ontario to British Columbia.
Key Features of the Home Freedom System:
- Automatic fall detection – alerts even if the user is unconscious
- Two-way communication – speak directly to a live responder
- 24/7 monitoring from trained professionals in Canada
- Comfortable to wear day and night, even in the shower
This is not just a gadget – it’s a lifeline for Canadians who want to live independently without sacrificing safety.
Designed for Canadian Seniors and Their Families
Whether you’re caring for aging parents in Toronto, Vancouver, Halifax, or anywhere in between, the Home Freedom system supports families who can’t always be there. Yet, they need to know help is available.
“We chose Bedford because they understand Canadian families. Their Home Freedom device is reliable, discreet, and easy to set up.”
– Linda S., caregiver from Calgary
Stop Chasing Lifespan – Start Protecting Quality of Life
Longer life isn’t the only goal. What matters most is living safely, with dignity. Bedford’s fall detection system gives seniors the freedom to move confidently through daily life. It also gives families the peace of mind they deserve.
It’s time we look beyond the lifespan statistic and focus on supporting real independence at home.
Compare our fall detection systems
Learn about GPS-enabled systems for safety on-the-go
Call us today: 1-888-755-3055
Download our free guide to supporting independent aging in Canada
