Marital Status

Women more likely to be widowed than men

In 2006, the majority of seniors (57.4%) were married, almost one third were widowed (28.2%) and the remainder were divorced (7.9%), separated (1.9%) or were never married (4.7%).

Almost three-quarters (72.9%) of Alberta males aged 65 and older were married, and 11.8% were widowed.

The picture for female seniors was dramatically different. A high percentage of female seniors were married (44.7%) and widowed (41.5%). The likelihood of being widowed increased steadily with age. After age 80, the majority of senior women were widowed.