Gender

Gap Continues to Narrow, but there are Still more Females than Males

In 2007, there were approximately 199,043 female seniors in Alberta, accounting for 55% of the seniors’ population and approximately 162,887 male seniors, accounting for 45% of the seniors’ population. (Note: According to Statistics Canada, Annual Demographic Statistics, 2007.)

According to Statistics Canada, the disparity in life expectancy between men and women has been narrowing for the past two decades in both Canada and Alberta. Life expectancy at birth has been increasing more rapidly for males and will continue to reduce some of this disparity. However, it is predicted that female seniors will continue to outnumber male seniors in the future (see Chart 4).

Chart 4
Ratio of Females to Males Increases with Age

Source: Statistics Canada, Annual Demographic Statistics, 2007