By the numbers: National Seniors Day 2021
By the numbers: National Seniors Day 2021 (PDF, 9.13 MB)
Description: By the numbers: National Seniors Day 2021
Older Canadians play an important role in society—today, let's celebrate their many contributions to the country.
Seniors represent 19% of the population in Canada
There were 7,081,792 seniors aged 65 and older in Canada on July 1, 2021. According to demographic projections, seniors could account for over one-fifth of the population by 2025 and could reach one-quarter by 2059.
Sources: Statistics Canada, Canada's population estimates : Age and sex, July 1, 2021;
Statistics Canada. Table 17-10-0057-01 Projected population, by projection scenario, age and sex, as of July 1, 2021 (x 1,000), scenario M1.
Mature Canadians are top volunteers
Canadians in the mature generation (born between 1918 and 1945) were the most likely to be top volunteers. In fact, they contributed the most formal volunteer hours on average, at 222 hours per year.
Source: Hahmann, Tara. 2021. "Volunteering counts: Formal and informal contributions of Canadians in 2018.” Insights on Canadian Society. April. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 75-006-X.
Older Canadians are providing care or help to their loved ones
In 2018, nearly one-quarter of seniors aged 65 and older provided care or help to family members or friends with a long-term condition, a physical or mental disability, or problems related to aging.
Source: Arriagada, Paula. 2020. "The experiences and needs of older caregivers in Canada." Insights on Canadian Society. November. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 75-006-X.
About three-quarters of seniors in Canada are grandparents
In 2017, there were 5,952,000 grandparents aged 65 and older in Canada.
Source: Statistics Canada. Table 39-10-0044-01 Number of grandparents in Canada (x 1,000).
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