A new statistical profile suggests that what it means to be a senior will see some fundamental changes as millions of baby boomers start hitting 65.
The characteristics and experience of seniors will become more varied, especially as the baby boom generation starts turning 65 in 2011, according to a Statistics Canada report on Canadians aged 65 and older.
Low fertility rates, longer life expectancy and the impact of the baby boom generation are among the factors contributing to the aging of the population.
Between 1981 and 2005, the number of seniors rose from 2.4 million to 4.2 million and their share of the total population jumped from 9.6 per cent to 13.1 per cent.
"The aging of the population will accelerate over the next two decades, particularly as baby boomers begin turning 65. Between 2006 and 2026, the number of seniors is projected to increase from 4.3 million to 9.8 million," Statistics Canada said.
Their share of the population is expected to increase from 13.2 per cent to 21.2 per cent.
Over the next twenty years, the number of Canadians aged 65 to 74 will almost double, from 2.3 million to about 4.5 million and the share of the total population comprising this group will rise from 7.0 per cent to 11.9 per cent.
The number of Canadians aged 85 and older will nearly double as well, rising from about 500,000 in 2006 to about 900,000 in 2026.
But seniors are living longer, better educated, more Internet savvy, increasingly active, and more financially stable than they were a quarter-century ago, Statistics Canada says.
Between 1980 and 2003, the average total income (after tax) received by senior couples increased by 18 per cent, from $36,300 to $42,800.
"Increasing income levels have benefited seniors in lower income categories and have contributed to a decline in the incidence of low-income among this group. Even so, among seniors the incidence of low-income remains highest among women who live alone," Statistics Canada reports.
While aging is generally linked to a decline in general health, a large proportion of seniors are faring well.
For example, 40 per cent of those aged 65 to 74 described their health as very good or excellent in health surveys, while another 37 per cent reported it as good. Among Canadians aged 75 or older, 32 per cent characterized their health as very good or excellent and 36 per cent described it as good.
About 6 in 10 seniors said their life is not at all stressful or not very stressful, compared to about 3 in 10 people aged 25 to 54.
The average 65-year-old could expect to live another 13.3 years near the beginning of the 20th century. In 2003, a 65-year-old could expect to live another 19.2 years.
Even between 1991 and 2003, life expectancy at the age of 65 rose by 1.2 years.
Statistics Canada reports, however, that the characteristics of younger seniors aged 65 to 74 differ from those of their counterparts aged 85 and over.
"This is especially true with respect to health, cultural origins, financial situations, living arrangements and so on," StatsCan said in the report.
"Rising rates of obesity are evident among Canadians of all ages and seniors are no exception. In addition, cancer and heart disease remain the leading causes of death among seniors, while arthritis/rheumatism and high blood pressure remain the most prevalent chronic conditions."
As more baby bombers enter their 60s, the share of the labour force comprised of older workers will increase.
"The level of education of seniors may have an impact on their labour force participation," Statistics Canada said.
Between 1990 and 2005, the share of seniors with a post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree jumped from 18 per cent to 31 per cent.
This trend will persist, the government agency said, as half of the Canadians who will turn age 65 over the next decade have one of these credentials.
Many seniors are also active outside the workplace and engaged in civic life. Among those aged 65 to 74, just over half belong to at least one group or organization and 39 per cent volunteered during 2004.
In 2003, about 75 per cent of seniors aged 65 to 74 said they had voted in the last federal, provincial and municipal elections.
Statistics Canada also reported that:
- The incidence of obesity among seniors aged 75 or older increased from 11 per cent to 24 per cent between 1978/1979 and 2004; and among those aged 65 to 74, it increased from 20 per cent to 25 per cent.
- Computer use has become an increasing part of everyday life for many seniors. In 1997, only 3.4 per cent of households headed by a senior had Internet access; by 2004, this had jumped to nearly 23 per cent.
- Between 2000 and 2003, the share of individuals aged 65 to 74 using the Internet more than doubled from 11 per cent to 28 per cent.
- Canada's Aboriginal population remains much younger than the non-Aboriginal population but the proportion of seniors is expected to rise because of improving life expectancy and declining birth rates.
- In 2001, the estimated 39,900 Aboriginal seniors represented four per cent of the total Aboriginal population. By 2017, this is expected to increase to 6.5 per cent.
