SOC 1104 Lecture Notes - Lecture 81: Aboriginal Peoples In Canada, Population Ageing
Document Summary
There are approximately 1. 3 million canadians reporting aboriginal ancestry (identity). Furthermore, while aboriginal people comprise 4 percent of the total population, only about 5 percent of this population is 65 and over, versus 15 percent in the non-aboriginal population. This is mainly because of sustained high fertility and lower life expectancy. However, these demographic factors are changing, such that population aging will increase in the near future among aboriginal people. The definition of elders in aboriginal culture tends to emphasize wisdom and status rather than a specific age. In fact, some argue that we should use 55 and over instead of 65 and over to designate aboriginal elderly populations, since there is almost a. 10-year gap in life expectancy between aboriginals and non-aboriginals. About half of canadian aboriginals live in urban areas. Those living on reserves and in more remote areas constitute a more definitive subculture. Wister and mcpherson notes several attributes that are common among many aboriginal subcultural groups:
