We knew it was coming, but now we know for sure. Seniors are taking over Canada. 16.9% of Canada’s population is 65 or older compared to 16.6% of children 14 and younger. The senior population is growing quickly and expected to continue.
Seniors versus Children percent of population in Canada
From 2011-2016, Canada registered the largest increase in the proportion of seniors since Confederation according to Stats Canada 2016 census, release in May. For the first time, seniors 65 years and older now outnumber children aged 14 and younger. The number of seniors is expected to continue growing, as projections show this shift at lease until 2036.
Historical Age Pyramid of Canada
Three trends are contributing to the senior population shift:
- Baby boomers getting older. In 2011 the first baby boomers starting entering retirement age, and that was just the start of their emergence into senior status.
- Increased life expectancy. Thanks to improved healthcare, advancements in medical science and overall better wellness, peoples life expectancy is now 82. 150 years ago, lift expectancy was only 40 years old.
- Lower fertility rates. People are now having as many babies, which means the population of children is not growing as rapidly as it once did.
This week a second series of data from the census on age and sex populations were released from Stats Canada. Of the almost 6 million seniors in Canada, 55% are female, but that changes drastically as the age increases.
The centenarian population increased by 41.3% between 2011-2016, the fastest growing population segment. Of the 8230 Canada 100 years and older, 84% are female.
The higher number of seniors will increase the demand for aging in place solutions, accessible homes, and long term care facilities. Oddly, another stat form the 2016 census indicated that only 1..% of Canadians are living in nursing homes or residences for senior citizens. Considering the rapidly growing senior population, that number will also likely rise quickly.