Overview
Seniors are one of the fastest growing population groups in Canada. In 2000, there were an estimated 3.8 million Canadians aged 65 and older (1 in 8 Canadians), up 62% from 2.4 million in 1981. Fifty-seven percent of seniors are women; in 2000, 70% of those 85 and older were women. The rapid growth of this population is expected to continue well into the future, as baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1966) reach this age in coming decades. It is projected that by 2021, there will be almost 7 million Canadian seniors, representing 19% of the population.
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Selected Readings
Alcohol and seniors [PDF]
Éduc'alcool, 2006
Dependency, Chronic Conditions and Pain in Seniors
Statistics Canada, 2005
Seniors, Sleeping Pills and Tranquillizers
Division of Aging and Seniors, Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), 2003
Best Practices: Treatment and Rehabilitation for Seniors with Substance Use Problems [PDF]
Health Canada, 2002
High Quality Aging or Gambling with Health? The Lifestyles of Elders Who Play Bingo [PDF]
Alberta Gaming Institute, December 2002
Related Resources
Aging in Canada
Older Persons and Alcohol List (OPAAL)
Medication Matters: How You Can Help Seniors Use Medication Safely
Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)
Responding to Older Adults with Substance Use, Mental Health and Gambling Challenges