Family matters: Being separated or divorced and aged 55 or older
Release date: June 12, 2019
Description: Family matters: Being separated or divorced and aged 55 or older
Family matters: Being separated or divorced and aged 55 or older
Of the 11 million people aged 55 and older in Canada in 2017Footnote 1:
- 1.1 million were currently separated or divorced from a marriage (10%)
- 500,500 were currently separated from a common-law relationship (5%)
Among those separated or divorced:
- 6 in 10 from first unionFootnote 2
- 4 in 10 from second or subsequent union
Average age at last separation or divorce
- Men: 47 years
- Women: 45 years
| Men | Women | |
|---|---|---|
| 34 and younger | 16% | 20% |
| 35 to 44 years | 28% | 29% |
| 45 to 54 years | 29% | 33% |
| 55 years and older | 26% | 18% |
| Total | 100% | 100% |
Average duration of:
- last marriage: 19 years
- last common-law union: 7 years
Women are more likely than men to be separated or divorced from a marriage
Previously married
| Men | Women | |
|---|---|---|
| 55 to 59 years | 9% | 12% |
| 60 to 64 years | 7% | 12% |
| 65 to 69 years | 10% | 13% |
| 70 to74 years | 8% | 15% |
| 75 years and older | 6% | 11% |
Previously common-law
| Men | Women | |
|---|---|---|
| 55 to 59 years | 8% | 6% |
| 60 to 64 years | 6% | 7% |
| 65 to 69 years | 6% | 4% |
| 70 to74 years | 2% | 4% |
| 75 years and older | 1% | 1% |
Who is most likely to be separated or divorced and aged 55 and olderFootnote 3?
| Percentage | |
|---|---|
| Canadian born | 15% |
| Foreign born | 12% |
| Percentage | |
|---|---|
| Women | 16% |
| Men | 13% |
| Percentage | |
|---|---|
| Residents of Quebec | 17% |
| British Columbia | 15% |
| Ontario | 14% |
| Prairie provinces | 14% |
| Atlantic Canada | 13% |
Source: General Social Survey (Families), 2017.