Abstract

This is an age when many people are no longer in paid employment and have a pension and investment income. There is a north to south increase in the proportion of those in the 65 to 74 years of age range. Canadian population is affected by an aging trend that began earlier in the 21st century. Decreases in fertility and the increase in life expectancy, are two main factors responsible for this trend. The expected increase in the number of elderly will affect the need for health services and will put a great deal of pressure on government pension funds.