Seniors are one of the fastest growing population groups in Canada. This report depicts the demographic characteristics, living arrangements and family situation, housing, health, education, work patterns and related activities, income and expenditures, and lifestyles of the population aged 65 and over. It also examines some of these issues, where data allow, in terms of different age groups, for example, those aged 85 and over, within the senior population. The report includes approximately 80 tables and 35 charts, supported by text. It presents the most comprehensive statistical picture of the situation of Canada's senior population with data drawn from a wide array of sources including the census, as well as other surveys such as the National Population Health Survey, General Social Survey, and Survey of Consumer Finances.

Historically, Canada has been a nation of immigrants, with 16-20% of its citizens being foreign born. Most immigrant research addresses the issues of integration and adjustment of young and adult immigrants, with little work on aging. There are numerous books on immigrants and books on aging, but there are few that have considered the topics of both diversity and aging. Diversity and Aging among Immigrant Seniors in Canada breaks from that tradition and offers an eclectic collection of original research from among Canada's leading researchers on aging and immigrants. Some researchers refer to this emerging field as Ethno-gerontology. There are two interesting groups of immigrant seniors: those who entered Canada at over 65 years of age, and those who aged in Canada. Most Canadians are surprised to learn that the senior population of seniors has a higher percentage of immigrants (19.6%) than the general population (13.7%). As Canadians age, the country's composition of immigrant seniors has also changed from mainly European to greater cultural and ethnic diversity from Africa and Asia. This cultural and ethnic diversity has social/health/economic policy implications and impacts on programs and services delivered to seniors. Diversity and Aging among Immigrant Seniors in Canada is divided into two main sections. In Part 1, the chapters explore general and universal issues such as national trends and demographics, theoretical orientations, issues of culture and legal dimensions, poverty and income, and end-of-life care. In Part 2, the chapters examine issues pertaining to specific ethnic groups. For example, there are chapters on the social well-being of Chinese immigrants, determinants of mental health for Iranian seniors, family dynamics for aging Haitian elders, and emerging issues for Punjabi families. Diversity and Aging among Immigrant Seniors in Canada offers both breadth and depth to the topic of aging among immigrants, and is a must read for social work and health care professionals, students in health and social services, policy and program planners and families of aging immigrants. It is written in a language that crosses disciplines, shedding professional jargon, making it an informative and engaging read for professionals, researchers, and the general public.

This is one of a series of vignettes designed to provide a statistical portrait of seniors in Canada. These first 20 vignettes include data such as numbers of seniors in various age groups, geographic distribution, demographics, home ownership, housing, employment, life expectancy, health, and income.

"In this paper, we discuss some theoretical and practical aspects of effectiveness and efficiency in health care. After defining those concepts, we go on to list some health services that, in practice, are considered ineffective, and to examine the solutions being considered to remedy the situation"--Introduction.