Canada's National Institute on Ageing (NIA) has released findings from "Perspectives on Growing Older in Canada: The 2025 NIA Ageing in Canada Survey,"  revealing a growing disconnect between how older Canadians want to age and the supports available to them. Now in its fourth year, the survey offers snapshots of the experiences, perspectives and expectations of Canadians ages 50 and older.

This year's results show that positive feelings toward aging fell sharply from 62% in 2024 to 57% in 2025 — the steepest decline since the survey began. Social isolation and loneliness rates remain high and have shown no improvement since 2022, further underscoring the emotional and social strain many older adults continue to face.

At the same time, the 2025 survey highlights some areas of improvement. Fewer older adults report being unable to afford dental care, suggesting that the Canadian Dental Care Program may already be easing financial pressure for some. And although challenges in primary care persist, more older adults now report having a regular primary care provider than in 2022, indicating modest progress in access.

Among the findings:

• 43% of older adults remain at high risk of social isolation and 57% experience loneliness — unchanged since 2022.
• Participation in social or recreational activities once a week or more fell from 39% to 33% over the past year, with affordability being the most significant barrier.
• 20% of older adults are experiencing a poverty-level standard of living based on the Materials Deprivation Index, much higher than Canada's official poverty line would suggest.
• Primary care access shows modest improvement, but gaps remain: 68% of respondents reported having a regular primary care provider, up from 62% in 2022, but many face difficulties getting appointments and referrals.
• The proportion of those who can afford to retire at their desired time dropped from 35% in 2022 to 29% in 2025.
• While 81% want to remain in their home or a smaller one as they age, 62% have made no plans or modifications to support aging in place.
• 70% of respondents reported facing ageism in their daily lives.

To download the full report, click here