Pneumonia: What Seniors in Halifax, NS, Need to Know

Halifax Senior Health  |  February 24, 2026

Why Are Seniors Susceptible to Pneumonia?

While conditions like heart disease and cancer often come to mind when considering serious health risks for older adults, another potentially life-threatening condition may not be as readily apparent.

Pneumonia, a respiratory lung infection, is caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. According to a report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information, there was a 13 percent increase in pneumonia-related Emergency Department visits from the previous year, with nearly 135,000 visits reported across Canada in 2017–2018.

Pneumonia is a significant health concern for seniors in Halifax, NS. It was one of the top 10 reasons Canadians visited the emergency department last year, with many of those affected being 65 years of age or older. Why are seniors physiologically more vulnerable to pneumonia compared to other age groups?

Pneumonia and Seniors

As we age, the efficacy of our immune system diminishes, and our body’s natural defenses become less reliable. This, in turn, makes us increasingly vulnerable to any illness, even if it’s relatively minor. 

A new report says that for the first time in at least five years; It’s estimated that a third of all pneumonia cases each year result from a virus.

As a result, something as common as a cold or mold spores in the home may lead to an infection of the lungs for seniors. Similarly, frailty – especially from ongoing recovery – can make it harder for seniors to cough and rid the lungs of certain infectious elements. 

Seniors may also be at greater risk if they have existing health conditions such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), HIV, and heart disease.

Despite its commonality, pneumonia certainly doesn’t represent an inevitable aspect of aging. While there is no 100% guaranteed form of pneumonia prevention, there are steps seniors can take to reduce their overall risk. Doing so can help them continue to live life to the fullest – safely, healthily, and independently.

Ways to Reduce Pneumonia Risk

#1. Get Vaccinated: 

Because pneumonia often appears in seniors who have the flu, getting vaccinated against influenza is recommended. Vaccine options include Fluzone High-Dose, Fluad and Flublok Quadrivalent. 

Seniors should talk to their physician about which is best. Additionally, to help guard against pneumonia, the CDC recommends that seniors get the two available vaccinations: PCV-13 (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) and PPSV-23 (pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine). Seniors should get PCV-13 first, then follow up with PPSV-23 approximately a year later.

#2. Prioritize Hygiene: 

It may seem like common sense, but simply washing our hands and using hand sanitizer can make a world of difference. Seniors should avoid germ-ridden surfaces (e.g., door handles, grocery cart handles) whenever possible, and keep their distance from any sick relatives or friends. As mentioned, it doesn’t take much for seniors to develop pneumonia, so even the smallest of hygienic best practices are worth following.

#3. Don’t Smoke or Take Steps to Quit: 

Smoking negatively impacts just about everything in our bodies, but the lungs obviously receive a significant amount of damage. Those who smoke are at a greater overall risk of pneumonia because the lungs’ defense mechanisms often become compromised.

#4. Practice a Healthy Lifestyle: 

Seniors should follow a physician-approved diet and exercise regimen. This will help bolster their immune system and reduce the risk of not only pneumonia, but a number of other health conditions.

Comfort Keepers® Halifax Can Help

Whether senior clients are recovering from pneumonia or looking to protect themselves, the trusted care team at Comfort Keepers® can help. Our caregivers can remind clients to take medication, provide transportation to scheduled appointments, and support physician-prescribed exercise regimens and diets. 

Above all, our goal is to see that clients have the means to find the joy and happiness in each day, regardless of age or acuity.

The Best, Expert Senior Home Care in Halifax, Nova Scotia is Comfort Keepers® 

At Comfort Keepers®, we provide personalized, compassionate in-home care services for seniors in Halifax, Bedford, Dartmouth, Sackville, St. Margaret’s Bay, Jeddor, Musquodoboit and surrounding areas.

The team at Comfort Keepers Halifax is proud to provide home care that keeps seniors safe. We support thousands of families each year with home care services for seniors—helping loved ones remain happy, and independent in the homes they love.

Home is The Best Place to Be for Senior Care

Providing home care can be very draining and taxing on family caretakers. That’s where we come in. With in-home assisted living as a lifestyle choice seniors can start a new, fresh take on daily living while remaining in the comfort and familiarity of home.

Comfort Keepers® Halifax offers professional, flexible care solutions that lighten the load for families and give everyone peace of mind—knowing their loved one is in good hands.

We offer a range of services that include elderly home care for seniors, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, personal care services, respite care, and more.

Comfort Keepers® Halifax Can Help with Companion Care and Interactive Caregiving™

Our trained caregivers, or Comfort Keepers, help provide our elderly clients with personal home care to help maintain the highest possible quality of life. Our Interactive Caregiving™ Approach elevates the spirits of senior loved ones and their families, delivering a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Interactive Caregiving™ is an opportunity to interact one-to-one with a senior, engage them, learn about them, and give them the gift of personalized, thoughtful attention that allows them to maintain their independence. At Comfort Keepers® Halifax, we believe keeping our clients physically, mentally, emotionally and socially involved can make a difference in their well-being. .

Comfort Keepers® Halifax Provides Home Care and a Wide Range of In-Home Care Services for Seniors.

Are you looking for reliable home care in Halifax? Learn more about our unique service, which offers personal care, companionship care, palliative, and end-of-life care in Halifax, Bedford, Dartmouth, Sackville, and surrounding areas. Contact the Comfort Keepers® Halifax office today, our professional staff will be happy to explain our customizable in-home care options and to schedule a free in-home consultation. 

 References:

Aging.com. “What Causes Pneumonia in the Elderly?” Web. 2018.

American Lung Association. “Lung Health and Diseases: Learn About Pneumonia.” Web. 2018.

Everyday Health. “Pneumonia 101: What You Need to Know” by Mary Elizabeth Dallas | Medically reviewed by
Sanjai Sinha, MD. Web. 2018.

CTVNews.  “Pneumonia visits to Canadian ERs spiked in 2017-18: CIHI”.  Web, 2018.

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