Notice of release
Montréal, June 29, 2023. – What is the situation of senior women in Québec? What are the differences between women and men aged 65 and over in terms of their personal, family, community and social lives? This was analyzed by the Institut de la statistique du Québec in the publication Portrait des femmes aînées au Québec released today. More than 50 indicators shed light on various aspects of senior women’s lives. They are divided into five major themes: population, work and retirement, material living conditions, social participation, and lifestyle.
Did you know?
- In 2022, the proportion of women among Quebecers aged 65 and over was 53%. This proportion reaches 64% among those aged 85 and over. In addition, there were 2,784 centenarians among women and 812 among men.
- Women are more likely than men to live alone (33% vs. 22%).
- Women retire at age 62.2 on average, 2.6 years earlier than men.
- The employment rate among those aged 65 to 69 is 15.7% for women and 25.5% for men.
- The proportion of seniors who have acted as caregivers is similar among women and men (21% vs. 20%).
- A higher proportion of senior women than men have low income according to the Low Income Measure (17% vs. 10%).
- The proportion of seniors living in unaffordable housing is 19% for women and 13% for men.
- 62% of senior women had a smartphone for personal use in 2020, which is slightly lower than the proportion among men (69%).
This portrait is the result of a partnership between the Institut and the Secrétariat aux aînés of the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux and follows up on the complete portrait of Québec seniors that was released last May.
View the portrait of senior women by theme:
The Institut de la statistique du Québec produces, analyzes and disseminates official, objective and quality statistical information on various aspects of Québec society. It is responsible for conducting all statistical surveys of general interest. The relevance of its work makes it a strategic ally for decision makers and all those wishing to learn more about Québec.