Status of Women Canada
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Status of Women Canada

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Women in Canada at a Glance Statistical Highlights

Senior Women

  • Women make up the majority of the senior population. In 2010, there were 2.7 million women aged 65 and over, making up 16% of the total female population. By 2031, the number of senior women is projected to reach 5.1 million and account for close to one quarter (24%) of the total female population.
  • According to the age-specific mortality rates observed in 2007, a baby girl could expect to live 83.0 years; a baby boy, 78.5 years. The gap, however, between women's and men's life expectancies has been narrowing since the late 1970s.
  • Most seniors live in private households, although fewer women than men live as part of a couple. In 2006, 46% of senior women lived as part of a couple compared to 76% of men. The increasing share of senior women in couples is at least partially due to recent gains in life expectancy, particularly for men.
  • In 2006, 37% of women aged 65 years and over lived alone compared to 17% of senior men. This gap continues to widen throughout the senior years, owing to women's greater longevity and consequently, a higher proportion of women becoming widowed.
  • The last decade has seen an increased employment rate among seniors, particularly women. In 2009, 6.4% of senior women held a paid job, double the percentage in 2000 (3.2%). The percentage of senior men holding a paid job also rose during this period, from 9% in 2000 to 15% in 2009.
  • For the past century, women's participation in the workforce has steadily risen, a trend reflected in the declining percentage of senior women who have never been employed. In 1976, 42% of women had never held a paid job; this proportion had dropped to 14% in 2009.
  • Senior women's average income continues to be less than senior men's. In 2008, senior women's and senior men's incomes were $24,800 and $38,100 respectively.
  • The proportion of senior women living on low income continues to decrease. In 2008, 7.6% of senior women were living in a low-income situation, down from 11% in 1998. Despite this downward trend, there are twice as many senior women as senior men living on a low income.
  • The two leading causes of death are the same for senior women and senior men. The main cause of death in 2007 was cancer, followed by heart disease and stroke. From 1981 to 2007, the mortality rate from heart disease fell substantially for both senior men and senior women, while deaths from cancer rose for senior women but decreased for senior men.
  • Incidence of high blood pressure, the most common chronic health condition for senior women and senior men, is on the rise. From 2003 to 2009, the percentage of senior women with high blood pressure climbed from 47% to 52%.

Employment rates of women and men aged 65 years and over, Canada, 1976 to 2009

Sources: Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey, CANSIM table 282-0002

Text Equivalent of Chart 9

Women and men aged 65 years and over whose income is below the low income cut-off after tax, Canada, 1976 to 2008

Sources: Statistics Canada, Survey of Consumer Finances and Survey of Labour and Income Dynamics,, CANSIM table 202-0802

Text Equivalent of Chart 10

For additional information, consult the "Senior Women" chapter in Women in Canada: A Gender-based Statistical Report, 6th edition, or go to http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/89-503-x/2010001/article/11441-eng.htm.

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Date Modified:
2013-01-11