Denise Lo

Aging is a global phenomenon with far-reaching impacts. Not only is Canada’s aging population on an increasing trend, immigrants constitute more than a quarter of Canada’s senior population (Statistics Canada, 2007). In 2011, the Toronto Census Metropolitan Area (CMA)’s population was 5.5 million, accounting for over 43% of Ontario’s total population and contained 706,665 seniors (38% of Ontario’s senior population) (Statistics Canada, 2013). This study aims to understand the challenges faced by Chinese seniors in the Toronto CMA through the lens of Geography. Using a combination of quantitative and qualitative data, this study applied GIS techniques to identify (a) the spatial distribution of the Chinese seniors in Toronto, and (b) the availability of services in neighbourhoods where they are likely to concentrate – Agincourt North and Steeles Neighbourhood Planning Areas. This research has revealed that these neighbourhoods are ideal for Chinese seniors being institutionally complete with mainstream and ethno specific services.