[Population aging and institutionalization of elderly persons: some possible projections for Canada]

The consequences of population aging on the demand for institutional lodging will undoubtedly be considerable. The authors have estimated this future demand in relationship with the evolution of certain socio-demographic characteristics of tomorrow's elderly. Based on a multivariate analysis (logit model), their projections will demonstrate the need for an approach which takes into account the replacement of generations among the ranks of aged persons. In fact, in future the latter will be appreciably different from today's generations. Their sociodemographic characteristics will have an impact on the risk of living in an institution and, thus, on the proportion and the number of institutionalized elderly people. Furthermore, they will probably be in a position to be able to contribute towards a greater portion of the costs of institutional living. Certainly, the burden of institutionalization will be further weighed down by the arrival of the Baby Boomers into the 65 years and over age bracket. This article nevertheless distinguishes some significant nuances within the scope of this phenomenon.