Rising Proportion of Older Adults

Population ageing is a global phenomenon characterized by an increasing proportion of older individuals within the population. This trend is driven by two primary factors: declining fertility rates and rising life expectancy. As a result, the demographic structure of many countries is undergoing profound changes, with implications for economic, healthcare, and social systems.

Population ageing is a major demographic trend worldwide, with profound social, economic, and policy implications. Here are the latest trends in population ageing as of 2024:

1. Increasing Global Life Expectancy

• Advances in healthcare, sanitation, and living conditions continue to extend life expectancy.
• Many countries are seeing life expectancies surpassing 80 years, particularly in developed nations like Japan, Switzerland, and Australia.

2. Rising Proportion of Older Adults

• The global share of people aged 65 and older is increasing. By 2050, nearly 16% of the world’s population will be 65+, up from 10% in 2022.
• Some countries, like Japan, Italy, and Germany, already have over 25% of their population aged 65+.

3. Declining Fertility Rates

• Many countries are experiencing below-replacement fertility rates (below 2.1 children per woman).
• This leads to a shrinking working-age population and a higher old-age dependency ratio.

4. Super-Aged Societies Emerging

• Countries where more than 21% of the population is 65+ are classified as super-aged.
• Japan was the first super-aged society (2011), followed by others like South Korea, Germany, and Italy.

5. Ageing in Developing Countries

• While ageing has traditionally been a developed-world issue, low- and middle-income countries (e.g., China, India, Brazil) are now ageing rapidly.
• By 2050, two-thirds of the world’s older population will be in Asia and Africa.

6. Growth of the 80+ and Centenarian Population

• The number of people aged 80+ is expected to triple by 2050.
• The centenarian (100+ years old) population is growing the fastest, particularly in Japan, France, and the U.S.

7. Economic and Workforce Challenges

• Ageing populations strain pension systems, social security, and healthcare.
• Many countries are raising retirement ages and promoting older workforce participation.

8. Rise of Technology for Ageing

• AI, robotics, and smart homes are helping older adults live independently.
• Wearable health tech, telemedicine, and AI-driven elder care are on the rise.

9. Policy Responses and Age-Friendly Cities

• Governments are focusing on age-friendly infrastructure, such as accessible housing and public transport.
• Countries like Singapore and Finland are leading in policies for active ageing.. APA