No. 23 - Participation in religious activities

Seniors are very involved in religious activities in Canada. Firstly, seniors represent the age group most likely to attend religious functions on a regular basis. In 1999, 34% of seniors attended church or other religious functions at least once a week, well above the figures for those aged 55-64 (28%), 45-54 (20%), 25-44 (16%), and 15-24 (14%).

Secondly, seniors make up a relatively large share of those currently involved in religious professions. Indeed, seniors represented 14% of those employed in religious professions in Canada in 2000, whereas they made up less than 2% of the overall paid workforce that year.

Also, seniors are the most likely age group to make a financial contribution to their church, synagogue or place of worship. In 1997, 40% of all seniors made such a donation.

Percentage of people attending religious activities at least once a week, 1999

Source: Statistics Canada