Percentage of Employment Income to Total Income, Seniors Aged 65 Years and Older

• Since more Edmonton seniors are working beyond the age of 65, the proportion of employment income compared to total income is steadily going up..
• Despite the steady increase, the trend toward a greater reliance on employment income reversed during economic downturns in 2009-2011 and again in 2015.

Employment-related measures indicate the strength of an economy and, accordingly, the population’s ability to sustain itself. Higher unemployment rates lead to more people needing income support to maintain a minimal standard of living and challenge governments and businesses to find opportunities to stimulate job growth. Lower unemployment rates also have their challenges—for instance, employed individuals may struggle to balance their work and family roles, and may face difficulties to secure adequate child care or obtain affordable housing. 

The unemployment rates experienced by Indigenous peoples and youth are significantly higher at all times, but especially during economic downturns. While unemployment rates for women have typically been lower than those for men, especially in recent years, women’s earnings from employment continue to be significantly lower than those of men.