Federal Retirees is proud to support a new study exploring the well-being and experiences of solo retirees in Canada.
The Life Research Institute at the University of Ottawa, in collaboration with the National Association of Federal Retirees, has launched the Canadian Study on the Wellbeing of Solo Retirees (CSRS). The purpose of this innovative project is to enhance the quality of life and optimize the well-being of solo retirees.
A solo retiree is someone who is single, whether never married or partnered, separated, divorced, widowed or living apart from a partner, and has retired or is nearing retirement.
According to the 2021 census, almost 40 per cent of people over 65 are single and almost 70 per cent live alone. That’s about two million Canadians. Despite the high numbers of solo retirees, we know little about their well-being, quality of life and lived experience.
As a first step, Canadians can participate in a national, bilingual study that will collect data from Oct. 1, 2025, to Nov. 15, 2025, followed by the release of findings and evidence-based resources.
You are eligible to participate in the survey if you are:
- Retired (or soon to be retired) and solo as described above, and
- Have a primary residence in Canada, and
- Willing to share your experiences through an online questionnaire.
A clearer picture of solo retirement in Canada will help inform inclusive policies and strengthen retirement planning, benefitting members and all older Canadians.
Learn more about this important project or take the survey by visiting the CSRS website.