For First Time Ever, Canada Has More Seniors Than Children

For the first time in Canada, there are more seniors than children according to the latest demographic estimates from Statistics Canada. 

The national statistics agency released its annual demographic estimates on Tuesday and the numbers showed that Canada has more people aged 65 years and older than children between the ages of zero to 14, the agency said. 

On July 1, 2015 the population of Canada was estimated at 35.9 million (up 308,100 from the year before) and about 16.1 percent were aged 65 and older. That's approximately 5.8 million Canadians. 

David Foot, a demographer said that these figures point to the beginning of a trend that will likely continue for at least a decade and added that the older population will have the greatest impact on the health care system however, the effects won't be felt for some time. 


Also in the report:

• Population of centenarians in Canada estimated at 8,100 (mostly women)
• New Brunswick had the largest proportion of seniors: 19 percent
• Nunavut had lowest proportion of seniors: 3.7 percent

Living with seniors

If you're concerned about an senior-aged family member's safety while they live at home alone here are some tips to make your home safer. 

Preventing injuries throughout your home is key to keeping everyone safe. Be sure to remove safety hazards around the house that could cause someone to trip and fall like loose cables and lifted carpet corners. Getting rid of clutter on the floor will also go a long way to make things safer around your home. 

Because bathrooms are often tiled slipping on a wet surface is quite common and can cause serious injuries to seniors. To help minimize any risk of slips and falls in your bathroom install hand rails near the shower to make exiting and entering the shower easier. An even simpler way to prevent slips in the shower is to make the bathtub floor skid-proof with either a mat or specialized stickers.