TORONTO SENIORS DEMOGRAPHIC SNAPSHOT 2006

City of Toronto Social Development, Finance and Administration Division, 2008

How Many Seniors Live in Toronto

According to the Census, 353,455 seniors lived in the City of Toronto in 2006. Almost 95% lived in private households, while nearly 20,000 lived in collective dwellings. Toronto seniors comprised 14% of the city population, and 53% of all seniors living in the GTA.
Population by Age Group City of Toronto, 2006
225000 200000 175000 150000 125000 100000 75000 50000 25000 0 0 to 4 5 to 9 10 to 14 15 to 19 20 to 24 25 to 29 30 to 34 35 to 39 40 to 44 45 to 49 50 to 54 55 to 59 60 to 64 65 to 69 70 to 74 75 to 79 80 to 84 85 and over

Data Source: Statistics Canada, Census of Population, 2006

City of Toronto Social Development, Finance and Administration Division, 2008

Seniors by Sex and Age City of Toronto 2006

60000 50000 40000 30000 20000 10000 0 65 to 69 years 70 to 74 years 75 to 79 years Males Females 80 to 84 years 85 years and over

Data Source: Statistics Canada, Census of Population, 2006

Women outnumbered Men by nearly a third, a ratio that increases with age.
City of Toronto Social Development, Finance and Administration Division, 2008

Population Change by Age Group City of Toronto, 2001-2006

85 years and over 80 to 84 years 75 to 79 years 70 to 74 years 65 to 69 years 60 to 64 years 55 to 59 years 50 to 54 years 45 to 49 years 40 to 44 years 35 to 39 years 30 to 34 years 25 to 29 years 20 to 24 years 15 to 19 years 10 to 14 years 5 to 9 years 0 to 4 years -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40

From 2001-2006, the number of Toronto seniors grew by 15,165, an increase of nearly 5%. Over this period, the fastest growing age groups in the city were persons ages 55-59, 80-84 and 85 and over, increasing by 26% 30% and 19% respectively. This is the harbinger of an overall greying of the city population that will unfold over the next 25 years as Baby Boomers reach their senior years.

Data Source: Statistics Canada, Census of Population, 2006

City of Toronto Social Development, Finance and Administration Division, 2008

How Will the Number of Seniors Change?

Projected Population Persons Ages 65 and Over City of Toronto 2001-2031
300000 250000 200000 150000 100000 50000 0 2001 2006 2011
Men

2016
Wom en

2021

2026

2031

Data Source: City of Toronto, City Planning Division

Seniors are expected to make up 17% of the City of Toronto population by 2031. This reflects a 42% increase and the addition of 55,100 men and 88,000 women ages 65 and over.
City of Toronto Social Development, Finance and Administration Division, 2008

THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW

40

Percent of Total Population

35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 1950 1960

% Population <15 yrs.

% Population >60 yrs.

1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050

Population Share of Youngest and Oldest Age Cohorts, Canada 1950 - 2050

City of Toronto Social Development, Finance and Administration Division, 2008

Planning for the Future

Projected Change in Number of Seniors City of Toronto 2001-2031
50000 45000 40000 35000 30000 25000 20000 15000 10000 5000 0 65-69 70-74 75-79 80-84 85-90 90+

Data Source: City of Toronto, City Planning Division

By 2031, Toronto will experience significant increase in seniors of all ages.

City of Toronto Social Development, Finance and Administration Division, 2008

Planning for the Future

Care and supports for older seniors is a growing concern as as the population ages. By 2031 the number of people ages 85 and over is projected to be 85% larger than in 2001. This represents an additional 13,400 men and 17,500 women. The large rise in the senior population, the predominance of women and the significant increase in the number of older seniors will require community based programs and a range of housing options if people are to Age in Place and maintain optimal levels of independence.

City of Toronto Social Development, Finance and Administration Division, 2008

Households and Families

Seniors Households Type City of Toronto, 2006
60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Couples families Lone parents Other family Multiplefamily Non-family 8 9 4 3 4 2 47 35 38 51

In 2006, Toronto had 212,135 households headed by a senior, comprising 22% of the city total 41% of senior households were couple families, 8% were lone parent families, 3% were multiple families, 3% were other families types and 45% were an individual(s) not in families.

Ages 65-74

Ages 75 and over

Data Source: Statistics Canada, Census of Population, 2006

City of Toronto Social Development, Finance and Administration Division, 2008

Households and Families

Non-Family Seniors Households by Age of Head City of Toronto, 2006
90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 81 74 54 37 38 44 60 66

65-69 years

70-74 years

75-79 years

80-84 years

85-89 years

90-94 years

95-99 years

100 years and over

Data Source: Statistics Canada, Census of Population, 2006

Older seniors were more likely to be living in non-family households. In this regard, 51% of households headed by a person 75 and over were non-family as compared to 38% of those headed by a persons Ages 65-74.
City of Toronto Social Development, Finance and Administration Division, 2008

Households and Families

121,435 Toronto seniors did not live in families in 2006. Among these, 74% lived alone, 6% lived with unrelated individuals and 20% lived with a family relation other than a parent, spouse or child.

Women living alone outnumbered men by nearly three to one. In 2006, 35% of senior women as compared to 17% of men lived alone. This represents 66,075 women and 23,715 men. As seniors age the proportion of women living alone increases sharply. A large proportion of men remain in family situations.

City of Toronto Social Development, Finance and Administration Division, 2008

Households and Families

Seniors Living Alone City of Toronto, 2006
60 50 40 30 20 10 0 65 to 74 75 to 79 Men 80 to 84 Women 85+

Data Source: Statistics Canada, Census of Population, 2001

City of Toronto Social Development, Finance and Administration Division, 2008

Households and Families

Living arrangement and family circumstances contribute directly to quality of life outcomes for seniors. Those living with a spouse or other family members are more likely to have greater economic security, social support and choice in housing. As people age, they tend to move from family to non-family situations. This transition can be accompanied by a loss of income, social isolation and a growing need for a variety of supports to help them to maintain their independence.

City of Toronto Social Development, Finance and Administration Division, 2008

Diversity
Immigrants by Region of Origin City of Toronto Seniors, 2006

Other

Latin America and Caribbean

Asia and the Middle East

Africa Europe

Data Source: Statistics Canada, Census of Population, 2006

Nearly 2/3 of Toronto seniors are immigrants. 56% lived in Canada before 1970 and 30% arrived since 1990. Among recent immigrants, the vast majority originated in China, followed by Sri Lanka, the Philippines, India, Ukraine and the Russian Federation.
City of Toronto Social Development, Finance and Administration Division, 2008

Diversity
Visible Minority Seniors City of Toronto, 2006
Multiple visible minority Visible minority, n.i.e. Japanese Korean West Asian Arab Southeast Asian Latin American Filipino Black South Asian Chinese 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

Twenty-eight percent of seniors were visible minority in 2006. This was significantly lower than the city population as a whole where almost half were visible minority. Among visible minority seniors, 36% were Chinese, 22% were South Asian and 15% were Black. Given the higher prevalence of visible minority persons in the broader population, the proportion of seniors who are visible minority can be expected to substantially increase in coming years.

Data Source: Statistics Canada, Census of Population, 2006

City of Toronto Social Development, Finance and Administration Division, 2008

Diversity
Ethno-racial origin plays an important role in defining identity and social networks. It also influences family patterns, living arrangements, housing preferences and the type of services and supports people need and expect. Immigrants face a variety of challenges in getting settled and adapting to Toronto life. For seniors the process may be compounded by greater difficulty learning English and a lack of familiarity with local culture and customs. While many new arrivals have the support of families, community agencies and ethno-specific networks, some are vulnerable to isolation, economic exploitation and other abuse.

City of Toronto Social Development, Finance and Administration Division, 2008

Income Security
More than any other factor, income security affects the ability of seniors to enjoy independent lifestyles and have optimal choices for housing and personal care. Seniors earn the majority of their income from investments, pensions and government transfers, including CPP, OAS and GIS. In 2001, for example, 42% of seniors income came from government transfers, 42% from pensions and investments. 21% of persons ages 65-74 and 5% of those ages 75 and older were employed in 2005. Among employed seniors, more than worked full-time and men outnumbered women by 50%. Income from government transfers and pensions varies little from year to year, often just keeping pace with the rate of inflation.

City of Toronto Social Development, Finance and Administration Division, 2008

Income Security
Median Income by Family Type City of Toronto Seniors, 1990-2006
60000 50000 40000 30000 20000 10000 0 1990 1993 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Lone Parent Family Couple Family Non-Family Person

Data Source: Statistics Canada, Tax File 1990-2006

From 2000-2006, median income for senior couples families, lone parent families and non-family persons rose by 18%, 15% and 17%, respectively. Despite these gains, after adjusting for inflation income levels in 2006 are lower than they were in 1990.
City of Toronto Social Development, Finance and Administration Division, 2008

Income Security
Historically, income for senior women has been significantly lower than men. In 2006, average before-tax personal income for senior women was 40% below that of men. Twenty-one percent of Toronto seniors were living with BeforeTax income below Statistics Canada Low Income Cut-off (LICO) in 2006. This represents 71,420 individuals. Low income rates for Toronto seniors were nearly double that of seniors in the Rest of the GTA and Ontario. In 2006, Toronto was home to 12% of low income seniors in Canada, 39% of low income Ontario seniors and 68% of low income seniors in the Greater Toronto Area.

City of Toronto Social Development, Finance and Administration Division, 2008

Income Security
Percent of Low Income Seniors, 2006 Canada, Ontario, Toronto and Rest of GTA
25
21.4

20 15 10
6.7 5.9 5.9 14.4 12 12.5 11.5

5 0 Canada Ontario
Before Tax
Data Source: Statistics Canada, Census of Population, 2006

Toronto
After Tax

Rest of GTA

City of Toronto Social Development, Finance and Administration Division, 2008

Housing Tenure
Seniors are more likely than other age groups to own their dwellings. In 2006, 144,270 senior households were owner occupied, representing 68% of all senior households.

Among senior owned households, two-thirds were occupied by families.

In 2006, fifty-five percent of senior-owned households were in detached houses, 15% in semi-detached or row houses and 30% in apartments. As seniors experience changes in their family status, health or economic circumstances, they are likely to move from houses to apartments. This often means moving into rental units. For seniors with greater financial resources, however, owning a condominium may be the preferred option.
City of Toronto Social Development, Finance and Administration Division, 2008

Housing Tenure

Senior Households by Age of Head and Tenure City of Toronto, 2006

80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 65-69 years 70-74 years 75-79 years 80-84 years 85-89 years 90-94 years 95-99 years 100 years and over

67,255 Toronto senior households were tenant occupied in 2006. This represents 32% of all senior households. 68% of senior tenant households were occupied by individuals not in families. Many are older women living alone. Tenancy rates increase after age 80. There is evidence to suggest that the average age of this shift has gone up in recent years, a sign that people living in houses today are aging in place longer.

Owner

Renter

Data Source: Statistics Canada, Census of Population, 2006

City of Toronto Social Development, Finance and Administration Division, 2008

Housing Affordability
Senior Households Paying 30% & Over for Shelter City of Toronto By Household Type and Tenure, 2006
Non-family households

Lone parents

Couples families with or without children

All Types

10

20

30
Owners

40
Renters

50

60

70

80

Data Source: Statistics Canada, Census of Population, 2006

In recent years, the cost of housing has grown steadily. Tenants have faced incremental increases in rent, while owners have experienced growth in property taxes, home maintenance costs and the price of energy and fuel. In 2006, twenty percent of senior owner households and 63% of senior tenant households paid 30% or more of their income for housing.
City of Toronto Social Development, Finance and Administration Division, 2008

Housing Affordability
Senior Households Paying 30% & Over for Shelter City of Toronto By Age of Head and Tenure, 2006
100 and over 95-99 90-94 85-89 80-84 75-79 70-74 65-69 All Households 0 10 20 30 40 50 Renters 60 70 80 90 100

Owners

Data Source: Statistics Canada, Census of Population, 2006

Housing affordability issues are more prevalent among older seniors, tenants and those not living in family households. Households on fixed or low income paying more than 30% for shelter often must balance monthly housing costs against other life necessities including home maintenance and nutritious food.
City of Toronto Social Development, Finance and Administration Division, 2008

City of Toronto Social Development, Finance and Administration Division, 2008

City of Toronto Social Development, Finance and Administration Division, 2008

City of Toronto Social Development, Finance and Administration Division, 2008

City of Toronto Social Development, Finance and Administration Division, 2008

City of Toronto Social Development, Finance and Administration Division, 2008

City of Toronto Social Development, Finance and Administration Division, 2008

City of Toronto Social Development, Finance and Administration Division, 2008

http://www.toronto.ca/demographics/neighbourhoods.htm

City of Toronto Social Development, Finance and Administration Division, 2008

For more information contact:

Fiona Chapman, Manager of Social Research City of Toronto Social Development Finance & Administration Social Policy Analysis & Research Section Telephone: 416-392-8574 Email: fchapma@toronto.ca

City of Toronto Social Development, Finance and Administration Division, 2008