Canadian men and women aged 65 and over are expected to live much longer than previous generations, according to a new study released by the Office of the Chief Actuary of Canada.

The OCA study presents estimates of the level of mortality of Canadian resident beneficiaries of the Old Age Security program.

The results will be used by the OCA to assess the mortality of the overall Canadian population and Canada Pension Plan and OAS beneficiaries when producing its next triennial actuarial reports on the CPP and OAS.

It notes that the aging of the Canadian population has increased substantially since the inception of the OAS program in 1952. In 1951, life expectancies at age 65 were 13.3 years for men and 15.0 years for women. Now, life expectancies at age 65 for OAS beneficiaries are 16.6 years for men and 20.2 years for women.

Wealthier retirees live longer, it finds. The life expectancies at age 65 for those who receive OAS and the Guaranteed Income Supplement are 15.0 years for men and 19.0 years for women. For those who receive reduced OAS benefits due to a higher income, the life expectancies at age 65 are 19.5 years for men and 22.4 years for women.

Male OAS beneficiaries experience mortality that is 72% higher than for females for the age group 65 to 69. The gap in mortality rates between men and women declines significantly by age group. For ages 85 to 89, men experience mortality that is only 42% higher than for women.

Also, OAS beneficiaries who are immigrants experience lower mortality than beneficiaries who were born in Canada. Several factors, including medical and employability screening prior to entry to Canada, as well as cultural and lifestyle characteristics, can be used to explain the greater life expectancies of immigrants and their relative better health compared to OAS beneficiaries born in Canada, it says.