October 1st: International Day of Older Persons
October 1st: International Day of Older Persons
October 1st is International Day of Older Persons, a day designated by the United Nations to highlight the contribution of older adults to society and to underscore the importance of their rights, participation, and well-being.
In Quebec, the aging population is a reality that is becoming increasingly significant. According to the Institut de la statistique du Québec, people aged 65 and older accounted for approximately 21% of the population in 2024—nearly one in five people.
According to data from the Institut de la statistique du Québec, people aged 65 and older accounted for about 21% of Quebec’s population in 2024—nearly one in five people.
The number of people aged 65 and older has also more than doubled since 1999, rising from approximately 900,000 to nearly 1.9 million in 2024. According to demographic projections, this proportion could reach about 24% of Quebec’s population by 2049.
The aging population is also evident in many regions. In 2024, the proportion of people aged 65 and older was higher than the Quebec average in 77 of the province’s 104 RCMs.
Another reality to consider is informal caregiving. Approximately 27% of Quebecers aged 15 and older reported having provided care or assistance to a loved one in 2024–2025. In the majority of cases, the person receiving care was aged 65 or older.
The aging population therefore raises a number of challenges, particularly in the areas of health care, housing, in-home services, transportation, support for family caregivers, and labor market participation.
With the projected increase in the number of older adults over the coming decades, these issues will play a significant role in discussions about the future of public services and Quebec communities.
