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.

Population ages 65 and above (% of total population) in Canada was reported at 19.36 % in 2023, 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 July of 2025.

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

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.

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

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 main activity of respondent, 2012.

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.

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.

Distribution of the population aged 25 to 64 with total Aboriginal identity, by highest certificate, diploma or degree and age group, Canada. This table focuses on total aboriginal identity only. This table is included in Section D: Postsecondary education: Educational attainment of the population aged 25 to 64 of the Pan Canadian Education Indicators Program (PCEIP). PCEIP draws from a wide variety of data sources to provide information on the school-age population, elementary, secondary and postsecondary education, transitions, and labour market outcomes. The program presents indicators for all of Canada, the provinces, the territories, as well as selected international comparisons and comparisons over time. PCEIP is an ongoing initiative of the Canadian Education Statistics Council, a partnership between Statistics Canada and the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada that provides a set of statistical measures on education systems in Canada.

Estimates and projections of population aged 0 to 29, by age group, Canada, provinces and territories. This table is included in Section A: A portrait of the school-age population: Population size of the Pan Canadian Education Indicators Program (PCEIP). PCEIP draws from a wide variety of data sources to provide information on the school-age population, elementary, secondary and postsecondary education, transitions, and labour market outcomes. The program presents indicators for all of Canada, the provinces, the territories, as well as selected international comparisons and comparisons over time. PCEIP is an ongoing initiative of the Canadian Education Statistics Council, a partnership between Statistics Canada and the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada that provides a set of statistical measures on education systems in Canada.

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.

Educational attainment of the population aged 25 to 64, by age group and sex, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Canada, provinces and territories. This table is included in Section D: Postsecondary education: Educational attainment of the population aged 25 to 64 of the Pan Canadian Education Indicators Program (PCEIP). PCEIP draws from a wide variety of data sources to provide information on the school-age population, elementary, secondary and postsecondary education, transitions, education finance and labour market outcomes. The program presents indicators for all of Canada, the provinces, the territories, as well as selected international comparisons and comparisons over time. PCEIP is an ongoing initiative of the Canadian Education Statistics Council, a partnership between Statistics Canada and the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada that provides a set of statistical measures on education systems in Canada.

About this dataset

Context

The dataset tabulates the data for the Canadian, OK population pyramid, which represents the Canadian population distribution across age and gender, using estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. It lists the male and female population for each age group, along with the total population for those age groups. Higher numbers at the bottom of the table suggest population growth, whereas higher numbers at the top indicate declining birth rates. Furthermore, the dataset can be utilized to understand the youth dependency ratio, old-age dependency ratio, total dependency ratio, and potential support ratio.

Key observations

• Youth dependency ratio, which is the number of children aged 0-14 per 100 persons aged 15-64, for Canadian, OK, is 50.4.
• Old-age dependency ratio, which is the number of persons aged 65 or over per 100 persons aged 15-64, for Canadian, OK, is 23.7.
• Total dependency ratio for Canadian, OK is 74.1.
• Potential support ratio, which is the number of youth (working age population) per elderly, for Canadian, OK is 4.2.

Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates.

Age groups:

• Under 5 years
• 5 to 9 years
• 10 to 14 years
• 15 to 19 years
• 20 to 24 years
• 25 to 29 years
• 30 to 34 years
• 35 to 39 years
• 40 to 44 years
• 45 to 49 years
• 50 to 54 years
• 55 to 59 years
• 60 to 64 years
• 65 to 69 years
• 70 to 74 years
• 75 to 79 years
• 80 to 84 years
• 85 years and over

Variables / Data Columns

• Age Group: This column displays the age group for the Canadian population analysis. Total expected values are 18 and are define above in the age groups section.
• Population (Male): The male population in the Canadian for the selected age group is shown in the following column.
• Population (Female): The female population in the Canadian for the selected age group is shown in the following column.
• Total Population: The total population of the Canadian for the selected age group is shown in the following column.

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for Canadian Population by Age. You can refer the same here

In 2023, there were about 5.81 million males and 5.56 million females between the ages of 25 and 44 living in Canada, which was the most out of any age group. The next largest age group was between the ages of 45 and 64, with 5.01 million males and 5.11 million females.

Canadian demographics

The average age of the Canadian resident population was about 40.6 years in 2023, with Newfoundland and Labrador having the oldest average population, and Nunavut having the youngest average population. Additionally, the majority of Canadians in 2022, both males and females, are single. The next largest group of Canadians are married, and not separated.

Immigration to Canada

Much like the United States, Canada is an immigrant nation, and many of its residents have immigrant backgrounds. Additionally, immigration to Canada has been steadily increasing since 2000, making the country a diverse melting pot for people of all backgrounds.

Canada CA: Population: as % of Total: Female: Aged 65 and Above data was reported at 20.703 % in 2023. This records an increase from the previous number of 20.282 % for 2022. Canada CA: Population: as % of Total: Female: Aged 65 and Above data is updated yearly, averaging 13.233 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2023, with 64 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 20.703 % in 2023 and a record low of 7.905 % in 1960. Canada CA: Population: as % of Total: Female: Aged 65 and Above 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. Female population 65 years of age or older as a percentage of the total female population. Population is based on the de facto definition of population, which counts all residents regardless of legal status or citizenship.;United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects: 2024 Revision.;Weighted average;Relevance to gender indicator: Knowing how many girls, adolescents and women there are in a population helps a country in determining its provision of services.

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.

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.