Introduction

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This publication presents data tables based on the 2007 General Social Survey on the subject of care giving and care receiving.

The General Social Survey (GSS) gathers data on social trends in order to monitor changes in Canadian society over time, and to provide information on specific social issues of current or emerging interest. The main purpose of the 2007 GSS was to better understand the experiences of Canadians 45 years of age and older by examining key transitions over their lives. The survey collected information on topics such as well-being, family composition, social networks, retirement experiences and plans, returning to work after retirement, care giving and the consequences of giving care, care receiving, and housing and residential changes.

Collecting similar data over time allows us to examine the changes that have occurred in specific areas in the lives of Canadians. The GSS previously collected data on care giving and care receiving in 1996 and 2002.

For further information on methods and data quality related to this publication, please refer to the following sections. For more detailed analysis of care giving and care receiving, please see the article ”Eldercare: what we know today” (Canadian Social Trends, Cat. No. 11-008-X200800210689).

Questions or comments pertaining to this publication can be addressed to:
Dissemination and Client Services,
Social and Aboriginal Statistics Division,
Statistics Canada, 7th Floor, Section C1, Jean Talon Building,
Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0T6 
E-mail: sasd-dssea@statcan.gc.ca
Telephone: (613) 951-5979 
FAX: (613) 951-4378