The Changing Economic Circumstances of the Older Population: A Cohort Analysis

The paper provides an analysis of the economic circumstances of Canadian cohorts in older phases of the life cycle. It begins by discussing the definition of "old" and the case for an upward revision of the traditional age-65 definition. It then goes on to consider changes in patterns of labour force participation of older age groups, their income levels and distribution, the importance of government transfer payments, consumption levels and patterns of saving, the extent of home ownership and mortgage status, and the effects of inflation.