Who is Aging in Canadian Cities?
Immigration timing shapes how communities experience aging because it affects whether residents built their lives locally or arrived later with different support networks. Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver have higher proportions of immigrants who arrived between ages 25 and 44, which suggests many residents are aging after settling there as adults. Winnipeg, London, and St. Catharines Niagara have higher proportions of immigrants who arrived before age 15, reflecting longer settlement histories and more established family support over time.
These differences help explain why cities with similar numbers of seniors may still have different patterns of care needs and use of residential care services. Immigration timing also shapes the cultural composition of cities, which can further influence expectations around caregiving. We next examine how ethnic diversity may shape the kinds of care services that aging populations need.