The Dominance of Aging in Place
When exploring where do most older adults live in Canada, the most significant finding from demographic data is the strong preference for aging in place. This refers to the ability to live independently and safely in one's home and community for as long as possible. Recent surveys, including those from Ipsos and the Environics Institute, confirm that nearly all Canadians over 45 wish to remain in their homes, with this preference growing even stronger for those over 65.
Living in Private Dwellings
- Private homes and apartments: Over 92% of seniors live in private residences, such as single-family homes, apartments, or other types of private dwellings.
- Couples vs. Alone: A significant portion of seniors live with a partner, especially in their early retirement years. However, living alone becomes more prevalent with age, particularly for women who often outlive their spouses. The 2017–2018 CCHS found that almost one-third (27.9%) of seniors in private homes lived alone.
- Multigenerational Housing: A smaller, but notable, number of older adults live in multigenerational households, often with adult children.
The Geography of Senior Living
While the majority of older adults live in urban centres, there are key regional and geographic differences that influence where seniors live in Canada.
Urban vs. Rural Distribution
- Population Centers: A high proportion (around 80% based on 2017-2018 data) of seniors living in private dwellings report living in a population centre. This mirrors the overall urbanization trend in Canada.
- Rural Areas: Despite the urban concentration, rural areas, particularly in Atlantic Canada and the North, have a higher proportion of seniors relative to their total population. For instance, Newfoundland and Labrador has one of the highest shares of residents over 65 in the country.
Provincial Variations
The distribution and concentration of the senior population vary significantly across Canada. For example, Ontario and Quebec, due to their large overall populations, are home to the largest number of seniors. However, provinces like Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia have the highest proportions of residents aged 65 and older. Conversely, provinces like Alberta have a younger demographic profile. This uneven distribution impacts the availability and access to services and support systems for older adults across different regions.
Factors Influencing Relocation Decisions
Multiple factors, from health status to financial circumstances, play a role in why older adults might consider relocating from their current home. This is often driven by a combination of 'push' factors that make staying at home difficult and 'pull' factors that make other options more appealing.
Key Considerations for Moving
- Health Needs: As health needs increase, the feasibility of aging in place can decrease. The need for home adaptations, specialized medical care, or more constant support can push seniors toward alternative living arrangements.
- Affordability: Financial stability is a major determinant. The cost of living, property taxes, and the rising expense of in-home care services can strain budgets, forcing some seniors to consider downsizing or moving to more affordable regions or housing types.
- Family and Social Connections: Being closer to family or a supportive community can be a significant 'pull' factor. Conversely, losing a spouse can serve as a 'push' factor, especially for women.
- Housing Condition and Accessibility: The suitability of a home for someone with physical limitations is crucial. Many seniors express dissatisfaction with the accessibility of their homes, a key component for maintaining independence.
- Community and Amenities: Access to services, transportation, and amenities can attract older adults to certain areas. Downtown areas in large urban centres often have higher proportions of older adults, thanks to the availability of hospitals, care facilities, and other services.
The Reality of Collective Dwellings
While not the norm, collective living is a reality for a segment of the older population, particularly the oldest cohorts.
Care Facilities
- Proportion of Seniors in Care: Approximately 7–8% of Canadian seniors live in residential care facilities, such as nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and seniors' residences.
- Age and Frailty: The likelihood of living in a collective dwelling increases dramatically with age. For instance, in 2021, over one-quarter (28%) of people aged 85 and older lived in collective dwellings. This is primarily due to increasing frailty and the need for round-the-clock care.
Home vs. Long-Term Care
One of the most critical discussions in senior care is the balance between home care and long-term care (LTC). For many, the choice is less about preference and more about circumstance, including health status and financial capacity.
| Feature | Home Care | Long-Term Care (LTC) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | In your own private home within the community | Specialized residential facilities (nursing homes) |
| Care Level | Varies, from part-time assistance to 24/7 nursing | Continuous, on-site 24-hour nursing and supervision |
| Independence | Highest degree of independence and control | Limited independence due to structured environment |
| Affordability | Often very expensive, potentially requiring large out-of-pocket expenses | Provincial subsidies exist, but costs can still be significant |
| Accessibility | Dependent on availability and affordability of Personal Support Workers (PSWs) | Space is limited, and access often requires meeting specific health criteria |
| COVID-19 Impact | Less isolation risk due to smaller number of contacts | Highlighted severe risks, staff burnout, and concerns about quality of care |
Research indicates that even some individuals who enter LTC could have been supported at home with appropriate home- and community-based care. This highlights the need for robust support systems that enable seniors to stay in their preferred setting.
Conclusion
While large numbers of older adults reside in population centres like Ontario and Quebec, the true answer to where do most older adults live in Canada is simpler and more personal: in their own homes and communities. The trend of aging in place is overwhelmingly dominant, supported by the preferences of the vast majority of older Canadians. However, this is not a universal experience. Geographic location, health status, and financial resources create significant variations, leading some to rural areas with higher senior proportions and others to collective dwellings as they age. As Canada's population continues to age, the challenges around supporting seniors' desire to live independently, especially in terms of home care affordability and accessibility, will become increasingly important.
Learn more about Canadian demographic trends from authoritative sources like Statistics Canada.
