General Social Survey, Cycle 16, 2002 [Canada]: Ageing and Social Support, Care Giving by Respondent (65 & over)

The General Social Survey has two principal objectives: first, to gather data on social trends in order to monitor changes in Canadian society over time, and second, to provide information on specific social issues of current or emerging interest. The main objective of the 2002 GSS was to provide data on the aging population. The survey will allow detailed analysis of characteristics of family and friends who provide care to seniors, characteristics of seniors receiving informal and formal care; links to broader determinants of health (such as income, education and social networks); and people's retirement plans and experiences. This is the second time that the GSS has collected information on social support. Data from the 1996 GSS on "Social and Community Supportrd" focused on caregiving and receiving for the entire population. The 2002 GSS is the first time Statistics Canada has devoted an entire survey to the collection of detailed information on care provided to people aged 65 years and over.