Over the past two decades, the share of people over 65 years of age has been steadily increasing in Canada. Indeed, in 2000, 12.55 percent of the Canadian population were seniors, while in 2022, they represented 18.83 percent of the population. In the same year, there were approximately 3.95 million women and 3.38 million men over the age of 65 in Canada.

Contained within the 5th Edition (1978 to 1995) of the National Atlas of Canada is a sheet that has 2 maps and an inset map. The first map shows proportion of total population in 65 to 74 and 75 plus age groups for each Census Division in 1986. An inset map shows the same information for the area from Windsor to Quebec. The second map of Canada shows proportion under 15 by Census Division. Population pyramids of age / sex distributions for 1961 and 1986 shown for each province, territory and for Canada.

This statistic shows the total number of seniors in Canada in 2020, distinguished by province and age group. In 2020, 2.52 million people aged 65 years and over were living in Ontario.

Population ages 65 and above (% of total population) in Canada was reported at 19.8 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Canada - Population ages 65 and above (% of total) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on October of 2025.

Estimated number of persons on July 1, by 5-year age groups and gender, and median age, for Canada, provinces and territories.

Contained within the 5th Edition (1978 to 1995) of the National Atlas of Canada is a sheet that has 2 maps and an inset map. The first map shows proportion of total population in 65 to 74 and 75 plus age groups for each Census Division in 1986. An inset map shows the same information for the area from Windsor to Quebec. The second map of Canada shows proportion under 15 by Census Division. Population pyramids of age / sex distributions for 1961 and 1986 shown for each province, territory and for Canada.

Population aged 15 years and older providing care to a family member or friend with a long-term illness, disability or aging needs, by sex and household income of respondent, 2012.

Graph and download economic data for Population ages 65 and above for Canada (SPPOP65UPTOZSCAN) from 1960 to 2024 about 65-years +, Canada, and population.

This table describes the proportion of the population with select underlying health conditions that are believed to increase the risk of negative outcomes following COVID-19 infection, including hospitalization and death. Estimates are based on data from the 2017-2018 Canadian Community Health Survey, and are provided for the Canadian adult (age 18 and older) population by sex, age and region of residence.

This statistic shows the contribution of an aging population in Canada to the average annual growth for hospitals, physicians, drugs, and other institutions between 2000 and 2013. During this period, the aging population contributed to 1.1 percent of annual growth in drugs.

The Canadian senior living industry is experiencing robust growth, fueled by a rapidly aging population and increasing demand for high-quality care facilities. With a market size exceeding (let's assume) $15 billion CAD in 2025 and a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 5%, the sector is poised for significant expansion over the next decade. Key drivers include rising life expectancy, increasing prevalence of age-related health conditions requiring specialized care, and a growing preference for community-based senior living options over traditional in-home care. The industry is segmented geographically, with provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec representing substantial market shares due to their larger elderly populations and higher concentrations of established senior living providers. While industry growth is positive, challenges exist, including increasing operating costs, regulatory complexities, and a shortage of skilled healthcare professionals. These factors may influence pricing and profitability in the coming years. The competitive landscape is marked by a mix of large national chains like Chartwell, Sienna Senior Living, and Atria Senior Living, alongside smaller regional and independent operators. Competition is expected to intensify as new providers enter the market and existing players seek to expand their services and geographic reach. The industry is adapting to evolving consumer preferences by investing in innovative technologies, enhancing amenities and service offerings, and focusing on personalized care models. Furthermore, the government's role in funding and regulation plays a critical role in shaping industry growth and development. Future growth hinges on addressing the workforce shortage, proactively managing costs, and continuing to meet the diverse needs of an increasingly aging population. The focus will remain on providing high-quality, accessible, and affordable senior living solutions throughout Canada. Recent developments include: Oct 2022: Optima Living and joint venture partner Axium Infrastructure have purchased eight seniors' supportive-living homes in Alberta and British Columbia from H&H Total Care Services for more than USD 300 million. With this sale, the joint venture now has 18 care facilities in British Columbia and Alberta. Optima operates over 2,200 beds, providing congregate living options for seniors., Oct 2022: Enquire, Glennis, and Sherpa have joined forces to create the senior living industry's market-leading software platform, uniquely positioned to improve the lives of older adults and those who care for them by delivering the first comprehensive, scalable end-to-end software solution designed by and for senior living providers. The merged firm will service more than 50 of the top 150 senior housing operators, as well as over 800 clients representing 5,700 locations in the senior living, post-acute, and home care sectors., Feb 2022: Sienna Senior Living announced an agreement to acquire a 50% ownership interest in a portfolio of 11 senior living assets in Ontario and Saskatchewan, consisting of 1,048 high-quality, private-pay suites. Sienna will acquire the portfolio in partnership with Sabra, which is acquiring the other 50% interest, with Sienna as the manager of the portfolio. Sienna and Sabra will acquire the portfolio from Extendicare Inc., with the portfolio representing the entirety of Extendicare's currently owned private-pay retirement properties in Canada.. Notable trends are: Rise in Investments for Senior Housing.

In order to better understand the public’s understanding and expectations of the retirement income system, the department of Human Resources and Skills Development commissioned Ipsos Reid to conduct quantitative opinion research among Canadians. This research was designed to provide a snapshot of current understanding of retirement-income related issues. Ipsos Reid fielded a questionnaire written by HRSDC and performed data analysis to provide a weighted representation of the general public. The methodology for this quantitative portion of this study involved a large-scale national telephone survey with a sample of 2,500 Canadians to allow for significant regional, demographic and attitudinal breakouts. A custom CATI telephone survey was conducted among Canadians aged 18 and older, sampled using random digit dialling. The average survey length was 10 minutes.

This statistic shows the resident population of Canada in 2023, distinguished by age. In 2023, about 2.12 million Canadian children were aged between 5 and 9 years.

Background: As an established ongoing population-based cohort of over fifty thousand Canadians, the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) offered an opportunity to rapidly study COVID-19 immunity in Canada’s aging population. Aims of the CITF co-funded study: CLSA COVID-19 study aimed to measure SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and seroconversion among older adults across Canada by province, age, and sex in the first two years of the pandemic (2020 and 2021). They also aimed to better understand the symptoms, risk factors, and impacts of COVID-19 through questionnaires. Methods:The CLSA cohort study enrolled participants aged 45-85 across Canada via random digit dialling. Participants in the tracking cohort comprised a representative sample of Canadians, who completed cognitive tests and answered questionnaires via telephone interview at baseline and at two follow-ups. Those in the comprehensive cohort were selected from a random sample of Canadians, and participated in an at-home physical exam, answered questionnaires, completed cognitive tests, and provided blood and urine samples at baseline and two follow-ups. For participants aged 55-80 in this cohort, they completed repeated cognitive testing and brain scans for brain health surveillance. Participants in all cohorts provided a blood sample for COVID-19 antibody testing and completed a COVID-19 questionnaire. Each participant was contacted every 3 years and was followed for at least 20 years or until death. Summary of the contributed data: The datasets include 19,334 participants who completed baseline surveys between October 2020 and August 2021. 23% of participants gave one or more blood samples between October 2020 and July 2021 for analysis. A total of 4,365 samples were collected. Variables include data in the following areas of information: demographics (age, gender, race-ethnicity and indigeneity, province, household composition, education), general health (smokes, chronic conditions, height and weight, flu vaccine), exposure risk factors (occupation, travel history, adherence to COVID-19 public health guidelines), COVID infection history (positive tests, symptoms, hospitalizations), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, and qualitative serology (antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid and spike proteins).

Graph and download economic data for Age Dependency Ratio: Older Dependents to Working-Age Population for Canada (SPPOPDPNDOLCAN) from 1960 to 2024 about 64 years +, working-age, ratio, Canada, and population.

Number and percentage of persons for healthy aging indicators, by age group and sex, for 2008/2009 only.

This statistic shows the population of Canada in 2022 and projects the population for 2068, by age group. In 2068, the population in the age group from 20 to 24 years is projected to reach about 3.44 million.

Canada CA: Age Dependency Ratio: % of Working-Age Population: Old data was reported at 29.628 % in 2023. This records an increase from the previous number of 28.912 % for 2022. Canada CA: Age Dependency Ratio: % of Working-Age Population: Old data is updated yearly, averaging 16.946 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2023, with 64 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 29.628 % in 2023 and a record low of 12.743 % in 1971. Canada CA: Age Dependency Ratio: % of Working-Age Population: Old data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Canada – Table CA.World Bank.WDI: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Age dependency ratio, old, is the ratio of older dependents--people older than 64--to the working-age population--those ages 15-64. Data are shown as the proportion of dependents per 100 working-age population.;World Bank staff estimates based on age distributions of United Nations Population Division's World Population Prospects: 2024 Revision.;Weighted average;

Family characteristics of seniors by total income statistics for Canada, provinces and territories, census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations. Includes age of seniors, housing indicators, tenure including presence of mortgage payments and subsidized housing, and structural type of dwelling.

This statistic shows the median age of the resident population of Canada, distinguished by province in 2023. In 2023, the median age of the Canadian population stood at 40.6 years.