An Aging Population: Canadian Seniors Outnumber Children

Toronto Senior Health  |  November 24, 2015

As of July 1, 2015 Canadian’s over 65 outnumber the 14 and under population. In fact, according to Statistics Canada, out of the 35 million Canadians, 5,780,900 are over 65 years of age compared to the 5,749,400 who are 14 years and younger. The much talked about Baby Boomer Generation is aging, and the smaller, younger generations are moving into caretaker and providers rolls as their grandparents and parents age. Furthermore, ”by July 1, 2024, seniors will account for one-fifth (20.1 percent) of the Canadian population, compared with 16.3 percent who will be children 14 and younger, according to Statscan’s projections.”1

Canada’s Aging Population Varies By Providence:

This demographic shift isn’t evenly dispersed across the county; it varies by providence with the highest concentration, and biggest percentage difference between ≥ 65 and ≤ 14 age groups, being in the Atlantic providences of Quebec and Ontario, and western British Columbia. As of July 1st, 2015, Nova Scotia leads the county in highest percent of seniors over 65 at 19 percent. Despite overall nationwide gains in the 65 and older bracket, many areas in the Prairie Provinces such as Nunavut, still had larger numbers of children verse seniors. Thirty-one percent of Nunavut’s population are children compared with just 3.7% aged over 65. {Given the higher density of hospitals and amenities, it is not too surprising the aging populations are clustered around the eastern and western coastlines.)

How The Demographic Shifts Affects Toronto At Home Senior And Elderly Care:

An increasing 65+ age population and a smaller younger demographic means there more seniors to take care of than family and close friends to take care of them. This will create a growing demand for senior care services such as in-home health care. This demographic shift in addition to normal caregiver fatigue and burnout that often comes with non-paid caregiving, increases the need for in-home care by companies such as Comfort Keepers®.

At home care allows primary caregivers to take a break and lessen their caregiving workload by providing a range of services.

Common services provided by Toronto in-home caregiving companies:

• Personal Care (Grooming, Medication Reminders, etc.)
• Respite Care
• End of Life Care
• Nursing Services
• Hospital to Home Transitioning

By bringing in outside help, caregivers can take a step back knowing their loved one is in good hands. In-home care companies like Comfort Keepers® are great options for caregivers needing extra support to ease the stress related to caring for a senior or elderly loved one.

For additional information on Comfort Keepers of Canada® at Toronto or any other Comfort Keepers of Canada® location please visit our home page or call us at 416-663-2930.

¹“News.” For First Time, Canadian Seniors Outnumber Children: Statscan. The Globe and Mail, n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2015. <http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/for-first-time-canadian-seniors-outnumber-children-statscan/article26582464/>.

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