Demographic Changes in Canada

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary factor contributing to the aging of Canadian society since the 1970s?

Decline in birth rates (correct)

Higher death rates among older adults

Improvement in healthcare access

Increase in immigration rates

How has the aging population of Canada impacted government pension systems?

Reduction in pension funds available

Greater demand on pension resources (correct)

Higher qualification age for pensions

Increased funding for retirement homes

Which of the following factors contributed the least to the aging of Canada's population?

Immigration trends (correct)

Environmental factors

Decline in the birth rate

Decreased death rates

What trend in life expectancy was observed by the early 20th century in Canada?

Life expectancy began to increase Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the term 'fertility rate'?

Average number of children born to a woman in her lifetime Signup and view all the answers

What has contributed to the decrease in birth rates since 1971?

Women entering the workforce Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main reasons for the decline in death rates?

Improved nutrition and standard of living Signup and view all the answers

What is the projected percentage of people aged 65 and over in Canada by 2036?

25% Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the role of immigration in aging population structure in Canada?

It plays a small role in aging population structure Signup and view all the answers

How does the aging population affect resource allocation?

Requires reevaluation of resource distribution Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is forecasted to impact developing countries the most?

Resource distribution among all age groups Signup and view all the answers

What factor has changed views on having children?

The perception of children as a liability versus an asset Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic aspect is critical when understanding population structure?

Age and gender distribution Signup and view all the answers

How does the increasing age of older individuals place demands on society?

It places greater fiscal responsibility on younger citizens. Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to the heterogeneity of the older population?

Their varying ethnic backgrounds and migration patterns. Signup and view all the answers

What stage of life often prompts older adults to migrate to be closer to family?

Onset of disability. Signup and view all the answers

Why do older adults often seek to move to different geographical areas?

For climate and recreational amenities. Signup and view all the answers

In 2010, what percentage of the older population was women?

56%. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does the larger female population among older individuals have on social support programs?

It results in women benefiting from programs for a longer duration. Signup and view all the answers

How does the migration pattern of older adults typically manifest in terms of location changes?

Only a small percentage move between different provinces. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the aging population has a significant effect on healthcare resources?

Increased life expectancy and chronic health issues. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Baby Bust (after 1971)

Birth control became widely accessible and more women entered the workforce.
There was a shift in the view of having children: they were seen as a liability rather than an asset.
Lifestyle changes and women having their first child later in life also contributed to the decline.
The birth rate fell below the replacement rate.
The number of older adults is projected to increase dramatically as baby boomers reach the age of 65.

Decline in Death Rate

Infant mortality rates decreased.
Improvements in medical procedures, medicines, and disease control contributed to the decline.
Improved nutrition and living standards played a significant role.

Immigration

It had a minimal impact on the aging of Canada's population.
The main impact of immigration was an increase in diversity.
Organizations serving older people need to account for this growing diversity, including hospitals, long-term care homes, doctor's offices, public transportation, food services, government offices, leisure, and recreational facilities.

Relevance

It is crucial to understand the changes in population structure and the effects of an aging population.
This includes understanding the composition of the population based on age, gender, socioeconomic class, race, and ethnicity.
It also entails understanding the effects of aging on resource allocation.
Predicting changes in healthcare as a result of these population changes will aid in strategizing the provision of relevant health services.

Ageing in the World Today

By 2036, the population of people aged 65 and over in Canada is projected to be around 25%.
Developing countries will experience the greatest percentage increase in older adults.
Two-thirds of older people will be living in developing countries by 2036.
Developing countries will face challenges in distributing scarce resources across all age groups, potentially limiting services for seniors.

Some Key Terms

Life expectancy: the average number of years a person can expect to live.
Life span: the maximum number of years a person can expect to live.
Birth rate: the number of births per 1,000 women.
Death rate: the number of deaths per 1,000 people.
Social structures: patterned social arrangements that arise from or determine individual actions.

Why Canadian Society Has Aged

The decline in birth rate after 1965-1971 was the primary cause of population aging.
The decline in death rate, particularly by the early 20th century, contributed to an increase in life expectancy.
Immigration had a minimal impact on Canada's aging population.

Decline in Birth Rates

Fertility rate: the average number of children a woman has during her lifetime.
Baby Boom (1951-1971): This period saw an average of 4 children per woman, driven by a good economy and a high number of immigrants in childbearing age.

Other Conditions Impacting the Population

Older people are getting older: This unprecedented social phenomenon creates new demands on society.
Older people are a diverse group: Most notably in terms of ethnicity.
Migration and travel: Older people are more geographically mobile, with three main stages of migration in later life: retirement, onset of disability, and severe disability.
Women are living longer: This is due to decreasing death rates.

Older People Getting Older

This is an unprecedented social change with new demands on society.
Older people are the most diverse age group.
This places greater fiscal responsibility on younger citizens as older people are the largest consumers of tax dollars.

Older People as a Diverse Group - Ethnicity

Immigrants comprise a larger percentage of older people than any other age group.
This is due to many immigrants arriving as young adults or to join family in Canada.
Factors affecting support and resources for older immigrants include family size, population concentration, cultural values, location of residence, and the proportion of young people within their community.

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Description

This quiz explores demographic shifts in Canada post-1971, focusing on the Baby Bust phenomenon, declines in death rates, and the impact of immigration on population diversity. Examine how these factors contribute to an aging population and changing societal views on family and children.