Older Canadians who are socially connected, physically healthy and mentally engaged are significantly more likely to experience complete mental health, according to a new nationally representative study of adults aged 65 and older.
Using data from 2,024 respondents from Statistics Canada’s 2022 Mental Health and Access to Care Survey (MHACS), researchers examined factors associated with both the absence of mental health disorders (APD) and complete mental health (CMH), a broader measure that combines freedom from mental illness and high emotional, psychological and social well-being.
Our findings moved the conversation away from mental illness alone and focused on understanding what helps older adults truly thrive. Complete mental health reflects not only the absence of disability, but also the presence of meaning, satisfaction, and strong social connections. ”
Daniyal Rahim, first author, doctoral candidate, Ontario Education Research Institute, University of Toronto
The study found that older adults were more likely to experience APD and CMH if they were married or in a common-law relationship, had strong social support, rated their physical health as fair or good, and reported no chronic pain, sleep disturbances, or limitations in daily activities. Social support emerges as one of the strongest predictors, more than doubling the odds of achieving perfect mental health.
“Social relationships appear to be fundamental to mental well-being in later life,” said co-author Shannon Halls, research coordinator at the University of Toronto’s Institute for Life Course and Aging. “Having someone to lean on during stressful times can alleviate psychological distress and promote resilience, well-being, and a sense of purpose.”
Spirituality was also strongly associated with mental well-being. Older adults who reported that religion or spirituality was important in their daily lives had significantly higher odds of both APD and CMH.
“Spiritual beliefs may help older adults cope with adversity by providing meaning, hope and a sense of community,” said co-author Yin Jiang, senior epidemiologist in the Applied Research Division of the Center for Surveillance and Applied Research at the Public Health Agency of Canada. “These factors may be particularly relevant during periods of declining health or life transitions.”
Physical health factors played an important role. Freedom from chronic pain, sleep disturbances, and limitations in instrumental activities of daily living were consistently associated with improved mental health. Conversely, living in a metropolitan center was associated with a lower chance of good mental health than living in a rural area.
“These findings highlight that mental health in aging is shaped by a complex interplay of social, physical and environmental factors,” said lead author Esmé Fuller-Thomson, of the Factor Inwentash School of Social Work at the University of Toronto and director of the University of Toronto’s Institute for Life Course and Aging. “Public health strategies that strengthen social support, address pain and sleep issues, and promote meaningful engagement can significantly improve the well-being of older adults.”
The authors emphasize that many of the factors identified are modifiable and suggest opportunities for targeted interventions, such as social programs, pain management, sleep therapy, and community-based supports, to help more older Canadians achieve complete mental health.
sauce:
Reference magazines:
Rahim, D. others. (2026). Thriving older Canadians: What characteristics are associated with complete mental health? Pro Swan. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0344898. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0344898
