Average life expectancy is one of the most important health indicators for any country. It helps gauge the overall health and wellbeing of a nation. It also has significant implications for financial planning, especially when it comes to life insurance.
In Canada, life expectancy is among the highest globally and has been steadily rising over the past century. However, there are regional variations across provinces and territories.
This guide will explore Canada’s average life expectancy, its historical trends and regional differences, what contributes to our impressive longevity, challenges to maintaining it, and most importantly, how life expectancy impacts life insurance.
What Is Life Expectancy?
Life expectancy is a statistical measure of the average lifespan of a population. It represents the average number of years a newborn can expect to live based on current mortality rates.
Life expectancy is calculated using data on age-specific death rates and factors such as gender, genetics, health, lifestyle, environment, socioeconomic status, and quality of healthcare.
Measuring life expectancy helps gauge the overall health and wellbeing of a population. It also aids governments and policymakers in planning healthcare, social support, and pension systems.
At the individual level, life expectancy can provide a general indication of how long a person may live. However, many additional factors impact an individual’s lifespan, so a person’s actual longevity may be longer or shorter than the average.
Tracking life expectancy trends over time and making comparisons across countries provides insight into the impacts of public health initiatives, medical advances, and social policies on mortality rates and population health.
What Is The Average Life Expectancy in Canada?
According to the latest data from Statistics Canada Table 13-10-0837-01 (released Jan 13, 2026), the average life expectancy at birth (both sexes) in Canada was 82.16 years in 2024. It ranks among the highest globally, surpassing most developed countries. The latest data shows that Canadians are living longer than ever before.
Over the past century, life expectancy in Canada has undergone a dramatic improvement:
- Early 20th century – In the early 1900s, the average Canadian life expectancy was only around 55 years. High infant mortality rates and a lack of modern medicine and disease prevention contributed to lower life expectancies.
- Mid 20th century – By the 1950s, this figure had risen to 69 years, reflecting progress in public health initiatives, sanitation, and medical care. Mortality rates started declining.
- Late 20th century – In the late 1900s, this figure exceeded 75 years for the first time as living standards and healthcare access continued improving.
- Early 21st century – In the 2000s, life expectancy surpassed 80 years, reaching 83 currently. Ongoing advances in medicine, technology, and living conditions have extended lifespans.
The table below shows Canada’s life expectancy (both sexes) from 2000 to 2024:
| Year | Life Expectancy (Years) |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 79.29 |
| 2001 | 79.51 |
| 2002 | 79.64 |
| 2003 | 79.82 |
| 2004 | 80.10 |
| 2005 | 80.22 |
| 2006 | 80.65 |
| 2007 | 80.65 |
| 2008 | 80.83 |
| 2009 | 81.18 |
| 2010 | 81.43 |
| 2011 | 81.58 |
| 2012 | 81.76 |
| 2013 | 81.84 |
| 2014 | 81.87 |
| 2015 | 81.92 |
| 2016 | 82.02 |
| 2017 | 81.88 |
| 2018 | 81.87 |
| 2019 | 82.22 |
| 2020 | 81.58 |
| 2021 | 81.50 |
| 2022 | 81.13 |
| 2023 | 81.68 |
| 2024 (latest) | 82.16 |
Over the long run, life expectancy in Canada increased substantially. More recently, it fell during the COVID-19 period and then improved in 2023 and 2024. In 2024, Canada’s life expectancy at birth reached 82.16 years, nearly back to 2019 (82.22).
Regional Variations in Life Expectancy
Where you live in Canada can significantly impact your expected lifespan. There are regional gaps between provinces and, most notably, the territories.
| Province/Territory | Average Life Expectancy (Years) |
|---|---|
| British Columbia | 82.5 |
| Quebec | 82.3 |
| Ontario | 82.0 |
| Alberta | 80.5 |
| Prince Edward Island | 80.4 |
| Nova Scotia | 79.9 |
| New Brunswick | 79.7 |
| Manitoba | 79.3 |
| Saskatchewan | 79.1 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 78.8 |
| Yukon | 78.5 |
| Northwest Territories | 75.9 |
| Nunavut | 72.1 |
- British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec have the highest life expectancies at over 82 years. (Data from 2022 to 2024).
- The lowest life expectancies are seen in the northern territories of Nunavut, Northwest Territories and Yukon at around 72-77 years
- Other provinces like Alberta, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Manitoba are in the range of 79-82 years.
- Rural and remote northern regions generally have reduced life expectancies compared to southern urban areas.
The regional gaps are largely attributed to factors like access to healthcare services, higher rates of chronic disease, distinct socioeconomic conditions, and higher rates of accidental death. Efforts continue to enhance healthcare delivery and improve health outcomes in rural and northern regions to ensure all Canadians achieve higher life expectancy.
Life Expectancy by Gender
There is a gap in life expectancy between males and females in Canada. On average, Canadian women tend to outlive men by several years. According to Statistics Canada, life expectancy at birth in Canada as of 2024 was:
- 84.29 years for females
- 80.03 years for males
The gap of 4.26 years has been attributed to a range of behavioral, biological, occupational, and social factors:
- Higher smoking rates, alcohol consumption, and risk-taking behaviors among young men lead to more deaths from accidents, violence, and injuries.
- Men have higher rates of chronic illnesses like heart disease and cancer later in life.
- Occupational hazards from male-dominated industries like manufacturing and construction also contribute.
- Social isolation, reduced health-seeking behavior, and lower engagement with healthcare services negatively impact men’s health outcomes.
Over the past decades, the gender gap has gradually narrowed as male and female lifestyles have become more similar. But significant differences remain. Public health initiatives targeting men’s health, which include promoting healthy behaviors and increased screening, can help further close this longevity gap.
Source: Statistics Canada. Table 13-10-0837-01 Life expectancy and other elements of the complete life table, single-year estimates, Canada, all provinces except Prince Edward Island
Key Factors That Reduce Life Expectancy in Canada
While Canada’s average life expectancy is among the highest globally, certain modifiable risk factors can significantly impact an individual’s lifespan. According to research based on Canadian data from the Global Burden of Disease Study, the following risk factors have the greatest influence on longevity:
Smoking
Smoking increases the risk of serious disease (cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illness) and premature death. For life insurance underwriting, smoking status often matters because it correlates with higher health risk over time.
High Blood Pressure
High systolic blood pressure is the top risk factor shortening life expectancy in Canadian females, potentially reducing lifespan by over 1 year. Keeping blood pressure in a healthy range is key.
Obesity
Excess body weight, especially severe obesity, increases the risks of chronic diseases and can lower life expectancy by 1-3 years. Maintaining a healthy BMI is critical.
High Blood Sugar
Uncontrolled blood sugar in diabetes damages blood vessels and organs, negatively impacting lifespan. Proper diabetes management is essential for longevity.
Low Physical Activity
Inactive lifestyles are linked with increased risks of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Regular physical activity could increase life expectancy by over 1 year.
High Sodium Intake
Excess sodium intake is associated with hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Limiting salt consumption helps minimize risks.
Low Fruit/Vegetable Intake
Diets low in fruits and vegetables are deficient in nutrients vital for health. Adequate produce intake reduces disease risks and extends lifespan.
Alcohol Abuse
Excessive alcohol consumption is linked to cirrhosis, neuropsychiatric disorders, and accidents. Moderating alcohol intake could lengthen life.
Details: Life Insurance for Individuals with Alcoholism in Canada
Tobacco Smoke Exposure
Second-hand tobacco smoke is associated with lung cancer and respiratory disease. Avoiding exposure is recommended to minimize risks.
By reducing exposure to these and other modifiable risk factors, Canadians can significantly increase their chances of longevity. Preventative healthcare is key.
Connection Between Life Expectancy and Life Insurance
Life expectancy has significant implications for life insurance in multiple aspects:
Premium Calculation
Life insurers use life expectancy statistics to actuarially calculate premiums based on projected probabilities of a person living to a certain age. Longer life expectancies generally result in lower premiums.
Further reading: Life Insurance Rates By Age Chart in Canada
Underwriting Process
When you apply for life insurance, the insurer assesses your personal life expectancy. They look at your age, gender, medical history, family history, smoking status, and lifestyle (e.g., do you have a high-risk job or hobby?). If your profile suggests a longer-than-average lifespan, you’ll be offered a lower premium (a “preferred” rate). If risk factors suggest a shorter lifespan, your premium will be higher.
Policy Structuring
Term life insurance policies are offered in lengths like 10, 20, or 30 years. These are designed to cover the period when your financial obligations (like a mortgage or raising children) are highest, a timeframe directly informed by average age and lifespan data.
Financial Risk Assessment
Life expectancy data allows insurers to estimate payout liabilities over the policy term. Longer life expectancies mean delayed payouts and lower financial risk.
Ultimately, life expectancy shapes insurers’ financial risk in providing coverage. Knowing Canada’s average expectancy and regional variations allows insurers to design appropriately priced policies with optimized terms.
Canada’s Global Life Expectancy Ranking
Compared to other nations globally, Canada ranks very highly in terms of overall life expectancy. According to the World Health Organization (2019 data), Canada’s life expectancy is among the top 20 countries worldwide.
Some key facts:
- As of 2019, Canada’s overall life expectancy was 82.2 years, positioning it at #16 globally.
- It surpasses the global average of 73 years.
- Canadian women have a life expectancy of 84 years, ranking #15 globally for females. Canadian men have a life expectancy of 80 years, ranking #13 globally for males.
- Globally, Canada only lags behind certain Asian and European countries with very high life expectancies, such as Japan, Switzerland, Singapore, Spain, and Italy.
- Canada has gained nearly 10 years of life expectancy since 1970 through steady improvements in public health and living standards.
The table below shows how Canada compares to nations with the highest and lowest life expectancies:
| Country | Overall Life Expectancy (2019) |
|---|---|
| Japan | 84.3 years |
| Switzerland | 83.4 years |
| South Korea | 83.3 years |
| Spain | 83.2 years |
| Singapore | 83.2 years |
| Italy | 83 years |
| France | 82.5 years |
| Sweden | 82.4 years |
| … | … |
| Canada | 82.2 years |
| … | … |
| Viet Nam | 73.7 years |
| World | 73.3 years |
| Russia | 73.2 years |
| Nigeria | 62.6 years |
| Somalia | 56.5 years |
| Lesotho | 50.7 years |
Canada’s top-tier global ranking in life expectancy reflects the quality of healthcare, economic prosperity, good governance, and high living standards enjoyed by Canadians. Sustained public health efforts will be needed to maintain this standing.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite Canada’s high life expectancy, some challenges remain in further improving longevity:
Aging Population
Canada faces the cohort effect of an expanding aging population, which strains healthcare services and requires expanded senior care initiatives.
Mental Health
Mental health issues and substance abuse, especially among youth, must be addressed through expanded community support programs.
Healthcare Access
Equitable access to healthcare across all regions, particularly rural and remote areas, remains an issue needing attention.
Chronic Illnesses
With changing lifestyles, chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease are rising. Preventive strategies and better chronic disease management are required.
To sustain Canada’s high life expectancy, ongoing efforts must be targeted at health promotion, disease prevention, and equitable access to care. Continued investments in social services and new medical technologies will also be needed to meet the needs of an aging population. Adopting healthier lifestyles at individual and community levels remains key.
Besides life expectancy, other frequently used metrics, such as the average height and weight for women and average height and weight for men in Canada, the average IQ in Canada and the average BMI in Canada help assess general health, and these variables often impact life insurance underwriting decisions.
Summary
Canada boasts one of the world’s highest life expectancies at over 80 years. This reflects our quality healthcare system, health-promoting environments, inclusive communities, and medical advancements. However, regional and demographic disparities in longevity still require attention.
Sustaining high life expectancy necessitates addressing emerging issues like chronic diseases, mental health, and our aging population. For Canadians, longevity is deeply relevant to life insurance and long-term financial planning. Understanding life expectancy statistics allows insurers to develop policies with balanced premiums, optimized terms and managed financial risk. As Canada progresses, our national life expectancy will remain a key indicator of the population’s overall well-being and health.
FAQs on Canadian Life Expectancy
What is the current life expectancy in Canada?
As of 2024, Canada's average life expectancy is 81.6 years. It is 83.8 years for females and 79.5 years for males.
Which Canadian province has the highest life expectancy?
British Columbia and Ontario currently have the highest provincial life expectancies at over 82 years.
What factors have contributed to Canada's high life expectancy?
Some key factors include our universal healthcare system, advancements in medical technology, health-promoting environments, economic prosperity, lower crime rates, and an inclusive society.
Is life expectancy still increasing in Canada?
Life expectancy continues to rise gradually in Canada due to ongoing improvements in living standards, healthcare services, lifestyles and socioeconomic conditions. However, the rate of increase has slowed.
How does life expectancy impact life insurance in Canada?
Life expectancy statistics influence insurers' calculations of premiums, policy terms, and financial liabilities. Knowing Canadians' average lifespan helps insurers develop appropriately priced policies.
Do life expectancy trends vary across Canada?
Yes, there are significant regional variations in life expectancy, with lower longevity in northern remote territories compared to the national average.
How does life expectancy differ between Canadian males and females?
Currently, Canadian females have a life expectancy of 84 years, while Canadian males have a life expectancy of 80 years.
What are some challenges impacting life expectancy in Canada?
Key issues needing attention include mental health, healthcare access in rural regions, health impacts of chronic diseases, and supporting the needs of an aging population.
Does life expectancy influence the underwriting process for life insurance applicants?
Yes, during underwriting, insurers evaluate aapplicants'estimated life expectancy based on factors like their age, health, and lifestyle habits - which affects premiums.
