The aging of the Canadian population affects numerous aspects of society from health needs to recreation and sport choices. Factors contributing to the aging of the Canadian population include low fertility rates, longer life expectancy and the sheer numbers of the baby boom generation. The combination of these 3 factors has meant that an increasing proportion of the Canadian population is 55 years of age and older.

The median age in Canada was 29.5 in 1981. It rose to 38.5 by 2005. In 1981 the proportion of the Canadian population aged 14 and under was 22.3%. By 2005 it had dropped 5% to 17.6%. Seniors in 1981 represented 9.6% of the population and by 2005 had increased to 13.1%.

This demographic change will have a significant impact on sport facility selection and construction as adults alter their choice of sports. Adults will continue to migrate to sports that provide long-term carryover potential for participation throughout their adult years. Low impact, low injury rate sports will dominate. Aquatic sports and aquatic training facilities will continue to grow in popularity. Aquatic sports current popularity is strong across all genders and all age groups from youth to seniors. Most aquatic sports provide excellent carryover characteristics.