Death rate due to respiratory diseases increases in Canada; Pneumonia and influenza pose a threat

 

 

Statistics Canada has released the latest figures on mortality and life expectancy in Canada for 2024. The report indicates that deaths due to respiratory diseases such as pneumonia and influenza are increasing at an alarming rate in the country. Despite being ranked sixth on the list of causes of death, deaths due to respiratory diseases have increased by 20 per cent compared to last year. The fact that 52 per cent of the deaths in this category were over the age of 85 raises big question marks over the health security of the country's senior citizens.

As has been the case since the 1990s, cancer remains the leading cause of death this time too. Heart disease, accidents and strokes are other major causes on the list. At the same time, deaths due to dementia, a dementia disease, are also rising steadily. In 2024, an estimated 28,000 people died from dementia.
Despite health concerns, the country's average life expectancy has increased, which is encouraging news. The average life expectancy in Canada is currently 81.68 years. This is the same as the pre-COVID (2019) level. Women's life expectancy is 84.29 years and men's life expectancy is 80.03 years.
The greatest improvements in life expectancy have been recorded in the western provinces, such as Alberta and British Columbia.