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Canada's Seniors
At A Glance
How Much Income do Seniors Have?
- In 1996, half of families headed by a senior had an income below $33,700.
Half of seniors living alone had an income below $15,000.
- In 1996, almost one-half of seniors living alone had incomes below
Statistics Canada's low-income cut-off; more than one-half of women
aged 65 and older who were living alone had incomes below the cut-off.
- On average, families headed by a senior receive about 60 per cent
of their income from private pensions, investments and earnings, and
40 per cent from government pensions and benefits. Women aged 65 and
older who are living alone rely on government transfers for 62 per cent
of their income, while men of the same age living alone rely on transfers
for 46 per cent of their income.
Seniors are Important Consumers
- Seniors play an important role as consumers in Canadian society. In
1996, households headed by seniors spent $69 billion dollars on goods,
services and taxes, representing 13 per cent of all expenditures.
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Spending by seniors accounts for a significant portion of total expenditures
on many items. In 1996, households headed by seniors represented 21
per cent of all households, and spent 21 per cent of total consumer
dollars on health care, 14 per cent on personal care, 13 per cent
on transportation and 11 per cent on recreation.
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