One in five Canadians over 50 facing material deprivation, survey finds
A new survey suggests a significant share of older Canadians are struggling to meet basic needs, with one in five people aged 50 and older experiencing a standard of living comparable to the poverty line.
The findings are from the National Institute on Ageing (NIA) and its 2025 Ageing in Canada survey, which examines the financial and social wellbeing of more than 6,000 Canadians aged 50 and older.
The report found 20 per cent of respondents were experiencing “material deprivation,” meaning they struggle to afford essential goods and services.
Unlike traditional poverty measures that focus strictly on income, the NIA’s material deprivation index looks at everyday financial realities – whether someone can afford dental care, heat their home, buy groceries or handle a small emergency expense.
