Abstract
Like most of the other industrialized countries, Canada is currently facing the issue of population aging. Aging can be defined as the biological process of growing old. Yet, being a 'senior' is a social definition that will refer in this essay to being 65 years old or more. According to a publication of 'Health Canada', 'At the start of this new century, Canada faces significant aging of its population as the proportion of seniors increases more rapidly than all other age groups. In 2001, one Canadian in eight was aged 65 years or over. By 2026, one Canadian in five will have reached age 65.' What are the causes of population aging in Canada? What are the characteristics of the aging population? What are the impacts of population aging? What challenges is the aging Canadian society facing and how is this issue being addressed? This essay is intended to answer these questions by providing an overview of population aging in Canada. First, the main causes of population aging will be explained. Second, the essay will focus on the characteristics of the Canadian aging population. Third, the impacts of population aging and the challenges raised by this issue will be discussed.
