A recent national survey has unveiled a distressing reality for a substantial segment of older Canadians, highlighting widespread financial insecurity and social challenges. The 2025 Ageing in Canada Survey, conducted by the National Institute on Ageing at Toronto Metropolitan University, reveals that one in five Canadians aged 50 and older are grappling with a poverty-level standard of living.
Financial Struggles and Material Deprivation
According to the survey, which gathered responses from 6,001 individuals, 20% of older Canadians report experiencing material deprivation, meaning they cannot afford essential goods and services. Additionally, 18% stated they would be unable to cover an unexpected expense of $500. The report identifies key groups most affected, including women, individuals aged 50 to 64, those in poor health, and renters.
Impact on Social Wellbeing and Health
The survey also examined social wellbeing, finding that social isolation and loneliness levels have remained stagnant since 2022. Notably, 43% of respondents are at risk of social isolation, while 57% experience loneliness. Financial hardship exacerbates these issues, with 65% of those with inadequate income facing a high risk of isolation, compared to only 35% of those with sufficient income to save.
Younger respondents, particularly those aged 50 to 64, reported the highest levels of loneliness, with 48% at high risk of isolation. In contrast, the situation appears somewhat better for those aged 65 to 79, where only 14% report loneliness and 40% are at high risk.
Progress in Dental Care Accessibility
On a positive note, the survey indicated meaningful progress in dental care affordability among older adults. The percentage unable to afford a dental visit dropped from 16% in 2024 to 11% in 2025, a change attributed to the implementation of the Canadian Dental Care Plan. This improvement underscores the potential impact of targeted healthcare policies.
The findings paint a complex picture of aging in Canada, where financial insecurity and social challenges persist, yet some areas show signs of improvement through policy interventions.
