The ratio of the combined child population aged 0 to 19 and population aged 65 and over to the population 20 to 64 years old.
The population aged 65 and over and those under age 20 are more likely to be socially and/or economically dependent on the working aged population, and they may also put additional demands on health services. This ratio is presented as the number of dependents for every 100 people in the working age population.1
1. Statistics Canada. Health indicators, data and definitions, community and health system characteristics 82-221-X [Internet]. Ottawa, ON: Statistics Canada. 2000 [updated 2018 Aug 22 May 24; cited 2018 Nov 27] Available from: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-221-x/2017003/chsc-ccss-eng.htm#chsc1_4