Age and Invisible or hidden Disabilities
The Aging Demographic
In Canada, adults aged 50 years and older make up approximately 40% of the population, representing a significant share of the country’s demographic profile.
Disability prevalence increases with age. Among Canadians aged 65 years and older, approximately 40.4% report having at least one disability, compared to lower rates in younger age groups. This demonstrates a clear relationship between aging and the likelihood of experiencing disability.
Within older adults, many disabilities are non-apparent or not immediately visible, including conditions such as chronic pain, memory changes, mobility limitations, fatigue, and other functional impairments. These conditions may significantly impact daily life even when they are not outwardly visible.
Older adults are also more likely to experience multiple health conditions at the same time, which can further increase the complexity and invisibility of their needs.
These trends highlight the importance of accessible environments, appropriate supports, and awareness of both visible and invisible disabilities to ensure inclusion across all age groups.
At The Change Coalition, we believe that dignity, accessibility, and inclusion for older adults with invisible disabilities are essential to building equitable communities for everyone.