Canadians are living longer than ever before, and now over 18% of the nation’s population is age 65 and older – a proportion that is growing rapidly and expected to reach 20% by 2025. The average lifespan is 89 years for women and 87 years for men, and the fastest-growing age group is centenarians (those over 100 years of age), whose growth rate has exceeded that of the overall population over the past 20 years.
Life Expectancy in Canada, at birth (from 1960 to 2019):
But while the demographics are changing, one thing that remains the same is the desire of most older people to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Having access to the health and social supports and services needed to live safely and independently in your own home for as long as you wish or are able is an important part of aging in place. Thinking about the future, planning ahead, and making key decisions ahead of time are important to ensuring you have the best opportunity to age in place, in your own home and community.
