Average Life Expectancy In Canada: How It Affects Life Insurance ( Update 2025 )

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 Average Life Expectancy in Canada?

The most current overall life expectancy in Canada is approximately 82.96 years as of 2023, according to data from Macrotrends.(Source). It ranks among the highest globally, surpassing most developed countries. The latest data shows Canadians are living longer than ever before in history.

Over the past century, life expectancy in Canada has undergone a dramatic improvement:

• Early 20th century – In the early 1900s, average Canadian life expectancy was only around 55 years. High infant mortality rates and lack of modern medicine and disease prevention contributed to lower lifespans.
• 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 from 2000 to 2023:

The gains reflect steady progress in healthcare and health outcomes. However, the increase has been slower than in prior decades as new health threats like the opioid crisis and diabetes epidemic have emerged. The COVID-19 pandemic also had a short-term adverse impact on life expectancy.

Regional Variations in Life Expectancy

While Canada’s national average longevity is among the highest globally, significant regional gaps exist between the provinces and territories:

(source: https://yourhealthsystem.cihi.ca/hsp/inbrief#!/indicators/011/life-expectancy-at-birth/;mapC1;mapLevel2;trend(C1);/)

• British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec have the highest life expectancies at over 82 approximately 83 years. (Data from 2015 to 2017)
• 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, lifestyle disparities, environmental conditions, and socioeconomic inequalities. Efforts continue to enhance healthcare delivery and improve health outcomes in rural and northern regions to ensure all Canadians achieve higher life expectancy regardless of geography.

Life Expectancy in Canada 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 Statista, life expectancy at birth in Canada as of 2022 was:

• 83.58 years for females
• 79.12 years for males

This approximate four-year gap 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.

Factors Influencing Life Expectancy in Canada

Several key factors have contributed to Canada’s high life expectancy over the past decades:

Universal Healthcare System

Canada’s publicly funded, universal healthcare system provides citizens and permanent residents with affordable access to medical services regardless of their financial means. This facilitates regular preventive care, early disease detection, and timely treatment – all crucial for longevity.

Healthier Lifestyles

Over the decades, Canadians have adopted healthier lifestyle habits, including exercising more, quitting smoking, eating balanced diets, and moderating alcohol intake. Such healthy behaviours directly contribute to longer lifespans.

Advancements in Medical Technology

Ongoing innovation and research have led to new medical technologies, pharmaceutical drugs, diagnostic tests, and advanced treatments. These enable better management and higher survival rates for diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

Economic Prosperity

Canada’s stable and prosperous economy enables citizens to access nutritious food, maintain healthy lifestyles, and avail quality healthcare services. This positively impacts life expectancy.

Education and Awareness

Higher public awareness regarding disease prevention, healthy living, and managing chronic conditions empowers Canadians to make better lifestyle choices.

See also: Average IQ in Canada

Social Programs

Government initiatives that provide seniors with financial security, assisted living, recreation centers, and home care support promote well-being in older age groups.

Low Crime Rates

Canada has relatively low homicide and violent crime rates compared to many developed countries. This minimizes exposure to violence or accidental deaths.

Inclusive and Diverse Society

Canada’s multiculturalism and inclusivity contribute to social cohesion, which fosters a sense of community belonging. This indirectly affects health outcomes.

Environmental Factors

Stringent environmental laws help maintain air and water quality standards, ensuring citizens aren’t exposed to high pollution levels that could adversely impact health.

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

Insurers determine applicants’ estimated lifespan during underwriting based on age, gender, health, family history, and lifestyle. Individuals deemed to have shorter life expectancies face higher premiums.

Policy Terms

Life insurance policy terms are structured around life expectancy. Term lengths of 10, 20 or 30 years are offered based on the insured’s expected remaining lifespan.

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.

The Influence of Risk Factors on 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 is the leading risk factor for reducing life expectancy in Canadian males. Studies show male smokers can lose over two years of life compared to non-smokers. Quitting smoking is the single most impactful step Canadians can take to extend their lifespan.

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.

Read more: Average Height and Weight For Men in Canada

High LDL Cholesterol

Elevated LDL cholesterol builds fatty plaque in arteries, increasing heart disease and stroke risks. Optimizing cholesterol levels can add nearly 1 year of life expectancy.

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.

Read more: Average Height and Weight For Women in Canada

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.

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:

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.

Life Expectancy by World Region

Life expectancy varies across world regions, reflecting differences in development levels and access to healthcare.

According to estimates by Our World in Data:

• In 2019, life expectancy was highest in Europe at 79.1 years.
• Americas and Oceania also had high life expectancies at 76.7 and 78.7 years respectively.
• Life expectancy was lowest in Africa at 62.7 years.
• Asia had life expectancies of 74.2 years.
• The global average life expectancy was 72.8 years in 2019.

Regional variations arise from a range of factors, including poverty levels, sanitation, nutrition, conflicts, and epidemics. As countries develop economically and improve public health conditions, life expectancy tends to increase. However, significant inequalities persist, presenting an ongoing challenge worldwide.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Canadian overall life expectancy?

As of 2021, Canada's total life expectancy is approximately 83 years.

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 iinsurers'calculations of premiums, policy terms, and financial liabilities. Knowing CCanadians'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.

How has life expectancy in Canada changed historically?

Canadian life expectancy has risen dramatically from around 50 years in the early 1900s to over 80 years currently, reflecting major advancements over the past century.