Why seniors' incomes doubled since 1977

Mike and Sabrina examine sources: more pension/investment income, increased government transfers, and modest employment gains.

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Transcript

Episode notes

In this episode of the Missing Middle Podcast, Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt break down a major shift in Canada’s income trends: men over retirement age are now earning more than men aged 25–34. They explain how seniors’ incomes have increased through pensions, investments, and government supports, while younger workers face slow wage growth, higher living costs, and inflation.

The discussion explores key issues affecting younger generations in Canada, including housing affordability, childcare costs, wage stagnation, and intergenerational inequality. Sabrina and Mike talk about why young men are struggling in today’s economy, what this means for Canada’s workforce, and how policy changes could help.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

00:42 New report shows young men earn less than senior men

02:00 Senior men incomes have doubled since 1970s

02:24 Young men’s incomes are down since the 1970s

03:21 Where is the extra senior income coming from?

05:53 The role of government transfers and entitlements

07:30 Breaking down younger men’s incomes

09:44 Housing have increased far faster than inflation since 1977

11:11 Why have wages gone down for young men?

13:31 social taboos around talking about young men

17:09 Concluding thoughts