We're younger than most think

The next time Moose Jaw is described in a derogatory fashion as an "old folks' city," set the record straight.
Ministry of Health population statistics for 2008 show that in Moose Jaw, despite what might have once been, and what people continue to believe, the makeup of residents is younger than most people might think.
The ministry's breakdown shows 71 per cent of local inhabitants are between the ages of from under one year to 54 years. A further breakdown indicates 47 per cent are in the 20 to 54-year range.
That means only 29 per cent are in the older age bracket of 55 to 95 plus years. Fourteen per cent are in the top of that age level, from 70 to 95 plus years.
Figures show 116 individuals being 95 years and older (15 men and 101 women) while at the other end of the spectrum, there are 393 under one year of age (191 boys and 202 girls), a figure that offers the suggestion that births are outnumbering deaths.
The largest age group is 45-49 years at 2,796 followed by the 50-54 age with 2,665, the 20-24 age group at 2,500 and the 15-19 group at 2,373.
In typical fashion, there are more females than males, with 17,907 females and 16,832 males, putting the total population at 34,739.
While Moose Jaw continues to be an appreciated retirement location, the statistics also suggest it is a community for young families with young and unique ideas.
The blend of the young and the older but still young-at-heart represents a balanced opportunity for the city to show itself in a positive light - if promoted with some degree of optimism and vision. Optimism and vision know no age boundary.