End-of-life care in Canada.

End-of-life care and planning is critically important to the next decades of health care in Canada. In our country, between 2005 and 2036, the number of seniors 65 years and older is projected to increase by up to 25%, and the number of deaths by 65%. The majority of patients are currently admitted to hospital and intensive care units at the end of life; however, up to 70% of elderly patients say they would prefer a less aggressive treatment plan focusing on providing comfort rather than a technologically supported, institutionalized death. Herein we provide a brief overview of the end-of-life care in the Canadian context, and highlight challenges and opportunities for health care system change in the coming decades.