According to Stats Canada, Canada’s senior population is set to grow at a massive rate over the next 20 years. In fact – it is estimated that the number of Canadians aged 65 and older will double by 2037.

According to the original article:

Over the next 20 years, Canada’s seniors population — those age 65 and older — is expected to grow by 68%.

Over the last 40 years, it has more than tripled in size. Between 1977 and 1997, the seniors population grew from about 2 million to 3.5 million. Today, in 2017, it sits at about 6.2 million. 20 years from now, in 2037, it is expected to number 10.4 million.

Compared with the rate of growth for the overall seniors population, the older seniors population — the subset of seniors age 75 and older — is growing at a faster pace.

Expressed as a factor, in 2037, this population in Canada is expected to be 2.1 times its current size (in 2017). The population of older seniors (age 75+) in each province and territory is expected to grow significantly between 2017 and 2037, as follows:

• Newfoundland and Labrador, 2.2 times the current size;
• Prince Edward Island, 2.3 times;
• Nova Scotia, 2.1 times;
• New Brunswick, 2.1 times;
• Quebec, 2.0 times;
• Ontario, 2.1 times;
• Manitoba, 2.0 times;
• Saskatchewan, 1.9 times;
• Alberta, 2.8 times;
• British Columbia, 2.1 times;
• Yukon, 2.9 times;
• Northwest Territories, 3.3 times; and
• Nunavut, 5.7 times.

Exciting times ahead! As today’s seniors challenge what it means to grow old, the very nature and composition of our country is set to change – with seniors leading the way!

The original report from The Canadian Institute for Health Information can be found at: https://www.cihi.ca/en/infographic-canadas-seniors-population-outlook-uncharted-territory