About Our Cause

The Grand Parade is our moment to take to the streets to honour aging friends and family, and to fundraise on behalf of the charities that support them.


Canada's seniors are an exceptional bunch – they're living longer, healthier lives. They have more time for social activities. They give more time and money than any other age group in Canada!


On the whole, older Canadians have never been healthier, or better off financially. But if we look deeper, there are significant factors that cause concern...


Exceptional people deserve exceptional support.


Millions of Canadians want something better for their aging family members or friends. And hundreds of organizations are pursuing a grander vision for aging well, well into our 80s, 90s, and 100s.


For aging Canadians, the organizations that support them, and the family and friends who care for them, there is The Grand Parade. The Grand Parade.

Why We Walk

We walk in The Grand Parade to honour our aging friends and family, and fundraise on behalf of the charities that support them.


  • We walk to celebrate exceptional people: our parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, and neighbours.
  • We walk to raise awareness for seniors and the incredible organizations that support them.
  • We walk to raise money for “better than basic” care for the people we love, through dedicated organizations committed to this important cause.
Aging Statistics

Canada's census data shows some significant trends in our aging population. You can find more details here. For example:


Seniors still outnumber children in Canada

Statistics Canada's 2021 census confirmed this continuing trend, with 7.6 million Canadian seniors 65 and older, compared to 5.6 million Canadians 14 and under.


There are more older women than older men, but it's trending down

There are 17 percent more women than men aged 65 or older. And, in the 85+ category, the stats used to reflect the Beach Boys’ famous line, “two girls for every boy.” But that number has trended toward parity, and is now sits at 1.7 women for every man.


If you think Canada is old...

Compared to other countries like the United States, Britain, France, Italy, Germany, and Japan, Canada's seniors make up a lower share of the population than every country but the USA.


Canadian Seniors: By the Numbers

Sourced from Canadian Government census reports:

19%

Percentage of population aged 65 plus

861,000

Canadians aged 85 or older

85+

This age group has doubled in size in the last 20 years

238,000

Number of Canadian of 85-year-olds living in collective dwellings such as nursing homes, long-term care, and seniors residences

9,500

Number of Canadians over the age of 100

1.7 to 1

Ratio of women to men aged 85 and older

Got questions about The Grand Parade?
info@thegrandparade.org | 1.877.743.3413