The number of seniors is increasing, as is their percentage in the general population
Alberta's population is aging. The number of Albertans over the age of 65 has nearly tripled since 1974, from 130,045 to 385,241 in 2009 (see Chart 1). Over the same time frame, Alberta's total population more than doubled and the median age of Albertans increased from 25.7 years in 1974 to 35.6 years in 2009.
The primary causes of this demographic shift are the aging of the baby boom generation, decreasing fertility rates, and increasing life expectancy.
In 2009, seniors accounted for approximately 10.4% of Alberta's total population, or about one in ten people. The comparable figure for the Canadian population was 13.9%. Among all provinces, Alberta has the lowest percentage of seniors.
Chart 1
Number of Seniors Increased Steadily in Last Thirty-five Years
Source: Statistics Canada, Annual Demographic Statistics, 2009
