Number of adults aged 65 and older

The Canadian senior adult population, defined as individuals aged 65 and older, is estimated to reach 8.1 million by 2025, reflecting pronounced demographic changes. This trend is primarily driven by the post-World War II baby boom cohort, whose members have now begun surpassing the age 65 threshold. Ongoing improvements in healthcare, superior nutrition and safety have further amplified the increase in this demographic, as life expectancy rises and the proportion of Canadians living beyond age 65 continues to climb. As a result, the annualized growth rate for this age cohort during the five years to 2025 is projected at 35%, significantly surpassing the national population growth rate.

The population of older Canadians has been shaped by the aging of the large baby boom cohort, which was born during a period of rapidly rising birth rates between 1946 and 1965. The passage of this group into senior adulthood has generated a noticeable swelling in the 65+ category over the last five years. This growth has compounded existing pressures on healthcare and social support systems, given the greater propensity of seniors to require medical assistance. Advances in healthcare and medical technology have expanded life expectancy, reducing mortality rates for chronic conditions that more commonly affect older adults. Macro trends such as increasing immigration and sustained urbanization have played roles as well, as older adults are more likely to remain in urban centers close to services.

Between 2020 and 2025, the impact of the aging baby boomer generation, compounded by advances in medicine and healthier living, has been the dominant force affecting the senior adult demographic. Growth in this segment outpaced previous decades, and government planning has increasingly prioritized aged care infrastructure and policy. While natural increase (births minus deaths) began to turn negative due to fewer births and more deaths, overall population gains continued due to immigration, supporting broader demographic stability but concentrating growth in the senior cohort. The result is a pronounced demographic shift that is driving changes in service demand and prompting further investment in relevant healthcare, housing, and community support.