Elderly Population Worldwide to Surpass Youth by 2030

As the world approaches 2030, significant demographic shifts are anticipated, with the elderly population projected to outnumber youth for the first time in history. By 2050, the number of individuals aged 65 and older is expected to exceed 1.6 billion, more than doubling since 2021.

According to recent United Nations forecasts, the global population is set to reach approximately 8.5 billion by 2030, with the elderly projected to surpass the youth population, defined as those aged 15 to 24. By 2050, the elderly will represent over 16% of the world’s total population, a significant increase from just 5% in 1950. This demographic shift underscores the growing importance of addressing the needs of older adults.

Japan currently leads the world with 30% of its population aged 65 and older, followed closely by Italy at 23%. Other countries like Finland, Portugal, and Greece have around 22% of their populations in this age group. Notably, Hong Kong and South Korea are expected to surpass Japan, with projections indicating that their elderly populations could reach as high as 40% by 2050. Southern Europe, encompassing nations such as Greece and Italy, is recognized as “the world’s oldest region,” further emphasizing regional disparities in aging populations.

Alarmingly, population aging is advancing more swiftly in developing countries compared to their developed counterparts. By 2050, the majority of the elderly population is expected to reside in these nations, many of which currently lack the necessary infrastructure and policies to support their aging citizens. This gap has prompted calls for urgent action to improve care systems in developing regions.

In recognition of these challenges, the UN has designated October 1 as the “International Day of Older Persons” since 1990, focusing on improving conditions for the elderly.

The WHO has urgently called for a transformation of care systems for older people, warning that current systems are inadequate to meet growing demands. Dr. Anshu Banerjee emphasized the necessity of rethinking care delivery as one in six people will be over 60 by 2030, with 80% in low and middle-income countries by 2050. Alarming statistics reveal that only 25% of countries have adequate resources for integrated care, and just 16% of low-income countries offer training for informal caregivers.