Across Canada, millions of adults aged 50 and older are quietly performing one of the most demanding and meaningful roles there is: that of caregiver. Whether supporting an aging parent, spouse, sibling, or friend, these caregivers form the backbone of an informal healthcare system that often goes unseen.

Yet, as Canada’s population ages and healthcare needs grow more complex, the state of caregiving among Canadians 50+ is a story we cannot afford to ignore.

A new report based on the 2024 NIA Ageing in Canada Survey paints a clear picture of the growing challenges facing caregivers—and the urgent need for public policy action.

The Numbers Behind Caregiving in Canada

• Nearly 8 million Canadians currently provide care for a family member or friend facing health, disability, or age-related challenges.
• Caregivers contribute an estimated 5.7 billion unpaid hours annually—work valued at more than $97 billion.
• Among Canadians aged 50+, 15% identify as active caregivers.

Who Are the Caregivers?

Caregivers aged 50+ are a diverse group:

• Age breakdown: 63% are between 50–64; 28% are 65–79; and 10% are 80+—meaning many older caregivers are themselves seniors.
• Gender: While women continue to make up the majority (55%), caregiving is becoming more common among men (45% in 2024, up from 41% in 2023).
• Geography: Two-thirds of caregivers aged 50+ live in Ontario and Quebec. Manitoba and Saskatchewan have the highest proportion of caregivers aged 50+, at 17%.

The Impact of Caregiving on Personal Well-being. Being a caregiver is a labour of love—but it comes with personal costs.

Social Isolation

• 31% of caregivers aged 50+ say they are too busy to participate socially as often as they’d like (compared to 19% of non-caregivers).
• 44% cite financial barriers that prevent them from engaging in social activities.

Mental Health

• Only 49% of caregivers aged 50+ report excellent or very good mental health—lower than the 55% of non-caregivers.
• Caregivers are more likely to report "good" mental health (30%) rather than excellent or very good.

Experiences of Ageism

• 17% of caregivers aged 50+ experienced age discrimination in the past year, compared to just 7% of non-caregivers.
• 29% feel undervalued, believing people often or sometimes assume they “don’t do anything important”—compared to 19% of non-caregivers

Financial Strain on Caregivers. Financial concerns weigh heavily on caregivers:

• 55% of caregivers aged 50+ worry about running out of money in the future—higher than the 47% of non-caregivers.
• Only 43% of caregivers who needed home care services could access them consistently—compared to 52% of non-caregivers.
• Caregivers are more likely to be financially stretched, with 19% reporting their income is not enough and they are struggling, compared to 15% of non-caregivers.

Why Canada Needs a National Caregiving Strategy

The Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence (CCCE) and its partners are calling for a National Caregiving Strategy—and for good reason.

Caregivers provide essential support that keeps Canada’s healthcare system running. Without them, vulnerable Canadians would face higher risks and hospitals would be overwhelmed.

But caregivers cannot do it alone.

Key priorities ideally would include:

• Expanded financial supports and tax relief
• Improved access to home care and community services
• Workplace flexibility for employed caregivers
• Greater public recognition of caregivers’ vital contributions



The Bottom Line

Caregivers aged 50+ are the unsung heroes of Canadian healthcare. But they face significant emotional, social, and financial challenges. As demand for care continues to grow, Canada must step up with stronger policies and better support systems.

If we value the well-being of our seniors, families, and communities, supporting caregivers must become a national priority.

Source: https://canadiancaregiving.org/