GITNUXREPORT 2026

Ageing Population Statistics

Rapid global ageing will strain societies and healthcare systems worldwide.

Alexander Schmidt

Research Analyst specializing in technology and digital transformation trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

Globally, the number of people aged 60 and over is projected to double by 2050, reaching 2.1 billion, according to the United Nations.

Statistic 2

In Japan, 29.1% of the population was aged 65 or older as of 2023, the highest proportion worldwide.

Statistic 3

Europe's median age rose from 34.4 years in 1990 to 43.9 years in 2022.

Statistic 4

The US population aged 65+ increased by 38.6% from 2010 to 2020, reaching 55.8 million.

Statistic 5

China's elderly population (60+) hit 280 million in 2023, comprising 19.8% of total population.

Statistic 6

In South Korea, the proportion of people over 65 reached 18.4% in 2023.

Statistic 7

India's elderly (60+) population was 149 million in 2021, projected to 194 million by 2031.

Statistic 8

Australia's over-65 population share grew from 13.1% in 2011 to 16.5% in 2022.

Statistic 9

In Italy, 24.1% of the population was 65+ in 2023.

Statistic 10

Germany's median age was 47.8 years in 2022, up from 42.4 in 2002.

Statistic 11

Brazil's elderly population (65+) doubled to 10.9% between 2000 and 2022.

Statistic 12

In Canada, seniors (65+) made up 19% of population in 2023.

Statistic 13

Russia's over-65 share was 16.5% in 2022.

Statistic 14

France's 75+ population grew by 25% from 2010 to 2020.

Statistic 15

In the UK, 18.6% were 65+ in 2022.

Statistic 16

Spain's elderly dependency ratio reached 32.5% in 2023.

Statistic 17

In Sweden, life expectancy at birth was 82.5 years in 2022, contributing to ageing.

Statistic 18

Portugal's 65+ population hit 23.4% in 2023.

Statistic 19

In Greece, 22.3% were over 65 in 2022.

Statistic 20

Finland's median age was 43.1 years in 2023.

Statistic 21

In the Netherlands, elderly share rose to 20.4% in 2023.

Statistic 22

Austria's over-65 population was 19.7% in 2022.

Statistic 23

In Belgium, 20.2% were 65+ in 2023.

Statistic 24

Denmark's elderly ratio was 20.6% in 2022.

Statistic 25

Norway's 67+ population share was 17.2% in 2023.

Statistic 26

Switzerland's median age reached 43.2 years in 2022.

Statistic 27

In Ireland, 65+ grew to 14.1% in 2022.

Statistic 28

New Zealand's elderly share was 16.5% in 2023.

Statistic 29

Singapore's 65+ population hit 13.2% in 2023.

Statistic 30

In Taiwan, 17.9% were over 65 in 2023.

Statistic 31

Thailand's elderly (60+) reached 20.5% in 2023.

Statistic 32

Global healthcare spending on elderly is 40% of total despite 12% population share.

Statistic 33

Pension spending in OECD countries averages 8.5% of GDP in 2022.

Statistic 34

Japan's public debt exceeds 250% of GDP partly due to ageing costs.

Statistic 35

In EU, age-related public spending to rise 3% of GDP by 2070.

Statistic 36

US Social Security outlays reached $1.2 trillion in 2023 for 67 million beneficiaries.

Statistic 37

Labour force participation for 65-69 in OECD fell to 35% in 2022.

Statistic 38

China's worker-to-retiree ratio dropped to 5:1 in 2023 from 10:1 in 2000.

Statistic 39

In Italy, pensions consume 16% of GDP.

Statistic 40

Germany's healthcare spending on over-65s is 45% of total.

Statistic 41

UK fiscal costs of ageing projected at £15 billion extra by 2030.

Statistic 42

In South Korea, elderly poverty rate is 43.4% in 2022.

Statistic 43

France's long-term care spending is 1.5% of GDP.

Statistic 44

In US, Medicare spending grew 8.7% to $944 billion in 2022.

Statistic 45

Spain's pension deficit reached €20 billion in 2023.

Statistic 46

Australia's superannuation assets hit AUD 3.5 trillion in 2023, driven by ageing.

Statistic 47

In Canada, age-related spending to rise from 11% to 15% of GDP by 2060.

Statistic 48

Sweden's elderly care costs 4.2% of GDP.

Statistic 49

In Netherlands, 25% of workforce will be 55+ by 2030.

Statistic 50

Brazil's pension reform saved 1.3% of GDP annually.

Statistic 51

India's elderly healthcare costs to double by 2030.

Statistic 52

In Switzerland, old-age dependency ratio at 32% in 2022.

Statistic 53

Finland's public expenditure on pensions 12.5% GDP.

Statistic 54

In Belgium, ageing to add 4% GDP to spending by 2050.

Statistic 55

Norway's oil fund supports 20% elderly population.

Statistic 56

In Singapore, CPF savings for retirement cover 60% needs.

Statistic 57

Denmark's pension assets-to-GDP ratio is 170%.

Statistic 58

In EU, silver economy valued at €3.7 trillion in 2022.

Statistic 59

Portugal's elderly poverty rate 18.2% in 2022.

Statistic 60

In global terms, ageing reduces GDP growth by 1% per decade.

Statistic 61

The global old-age dependency ratio is expected to rise from 16% in 2020 to 24% by 2050.

Statistic 62

Life expectancy at birth worldwide increased to 73.4 years in 2023 from 66.8 in 2000.

Statistic 63

In Japan, healthy life expectancy for women is 75.5 years as of 2022.

Statistic 64

Alzheimer's disease affects 55 million people globally, mostly elderly, with 10 million new cases yearly.

Statistic 65

15% of adults over 60 suffer from a mental disorder worldwide.

Statistic 66

Falls cause 37.3 million injuries requiring medical attention annually in those 65+.

Statistic 67

Multimorbidity affects 65% of people over 85 in high-income countries.

Statistic 68

Hearing loss impacts 1 in 3 people over 65 globally.

Statistic 69

In the EU, 40% of those 65+ have three or more chronic conditions.

Statistic 70

Osteoporosis causes 8.9 million fractures yearly worldwide, mostly in elderly women.

Statistic 71

Depression prevalence among elderly is 7% globally, rising to 17% in care homes.

Statistic 72

Vision impairment affects 2.2 billion people, 65% preventable, many elderly.

Statistic 73

In the US, 80% of older adults have at least one chronic disease.

Statistic 74

Pneumonia is the leading infectious cause of death in over-65s, with 2.5 million deaths yearly.

Statistic 75

Sarcopenia affects 10% of community-dwelling elderly over 60.

Statistic 76

In Australia, 50% of 75+ have dementia or mild cognitive impairment.

Statistic 77

COPD prevalence in 65+ is 14.4% globally.

Statistic 78

In UK, 1 in 6 people over 80 have dementia.

Statistic 79

Heart disease accounts for 26% of deaths in US 65+.

Statistic 80

In Canada, 90% of seniors have at least one chronic condition.

Statistic 81

Diabetes prevalence in elderly is 20.9% in high-income countries.

Statistic 82

In Japan, 25% of 65+ have frailty syndrome.

Statistic 83

Cancer incidence rises sharply after 65, accounting for 50% of cases.

Statistic 84

In EU, 30% of 65+ report loneliness impacting health.

Statistic 85

Stroke is 4th leading cause of death in 65+, with 6.5 million deaths yearly.

Statistic 86

In US, 50 million adults 65+ take 5+ medications daily, risking polypharmacy.

Statistic 87

Malnutrition affects 5-10% of community elderly, 50% in hospitals.

Statistic 88

In China, 15% of 60+ have depression.

Statistic 89

Parkinson's affects 1% of 60+ worldwide.

Statistic 90

In Brazil, hypertension in 65+ is 74%.

Statistic 91

Worldwide, 1 in 6 people will be over 65 by 2050.

Statistic 92

EU's 80+ population to triple to 30 million by 2100.

Statistic 93

US centenarians projected to reach 600,000 by 2050 from 80,000.

Statistic 94

Japan's population to shrink 30% by 2070, with 40% over 65.

Statistic 95

China's 65+ to peak at 400 million by 2050.

Statistic 96

India to have 340 million elderly by 2050.

Statistic 97

South Korea's elderly share to hit 40% by 2060.

Statistic 98

Germany's population to decline 10% by 2050, median age 50.

Statistic 99

Italy's fertility rate at 1.24 will make 35% elderly by 2050.

Statistic 100

UK's over-85s to double to 2.7 million by 2040.

Statistic 101

France's dependency ratio to 50% by 2050.

Statistic 102

Spain's 65+ to 30% by 2050.

Statistic 103

Australia's 65+ to 23% by 2066.

Statistic 104

Canada's seniors to 25% by 2040.

Statistic 105

Brazil's elderly to 25% by 2050.

Statistic 106

Russia's life expectancy to 78 by 2030.

Statistic 107

Sweden's median age to 47 by 2070.

Statistic 108

Netherlands' 75+ to quadruple by 2100.

Statistic 109

Finland's population peak passed, 65+ to 30% by 2050.

Statistic 110

Belgium's old-age dependency to 45% by 2050.

Statistic 111

Switzerland's 80+ to 15% by 2050.

Statistic 112

Norway's elderly share to 26% by 2060.

Statistic 113

Denmark's super-elderly (80+) to 10% by 2047.

Statistic 114

Portugal's 65+ to 32% by 2050.

Statistic 115

Greece's population to halve by 2100 due to ageing.

Statistic 116

Ireland's median age to 45 by 2051.

Statistic 117

Singapore's life expectancy to 85 by 2030.

Statistic 118

Thailand's elderly to 30% by 2035.

Statistic 119

Global healthy life expectancy to rise 5 years by 2050.

Statistic 120

In US, nursing home residents to increase 50% by 2030.

Statistic 121

EU long-term care recipients number 15 million in 2023.

Statistic 122

Japan's care workers shortage projected at 500,000 by 2025.

Statistic 123

UK dementia care costs £42 billion annually.

Statistic 124

In US, 70% of 65+ will need long-term care.

Statistic 125

China's eldercare facilities house 8 million, need for 100 million.

Statistic 126

Australia has 250,000 aged care places for 3.7 million seniors.

Statistic 127

Germany's home care recipients rose 20% to 4 million since 2017.

Statistic 128

In Canada, wait times for long-term care average 6 months.

Statistic 129

France's APA benefits 1.6 million elderly.

Statistic 130

Italy's non-self-sufficient elderly number 3 million.

Statistic 131

Spain's residential care beds for elderly: 400,000.

Statistic 132

Sweden's municipal eldercare serves 20% of 80+.

Statistic 133

Netherlands' home care budget €10 billion yearly.

Statistic 134

Finland's care allowance paid to 100,000 elderly.

Statistic 135

In UK, unpaid carers for elderly: 5 million.

Statistic 136

Belgium's family caregivers: 1.4 million.

Statistic 137

Switzerland's home care spending CHF 12 billion.

Statistic 138

Norway's nursing homes have 40,000 beds.

Statistic 139

Denmark's eldercare staff: 200,000 FTE.

Statistic 140

Portugal's social support for elderly: €1.2 billion.

Statistic 141

In Brazil, family provides 90% of eldercare.

Statistic 142

India's old age pension reaches 25 million beneficiaries.

Statistic 143

Singapore's community care for seniors: 20,000 beds planned.

Statistic 144

Thailand's universal coverage for LTC starts 2025 for 1 million.

1/144

Sources

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Imagine a world where nearly one in every four people you meet is over the age of 65—this is the stark reality of our rapidly ageing global population, with the number of people aged 60 and over projected to double by 2050 to a staggering 2.1 billion.

Key Takeaways

Globally, the number of people aged 60 and over is projected to double by 2050, reaching 2.1 billion, according to the United Nations.
In Japan, 29.1% of the population was aged 65 or older as of 2023, the highest proportion worldwide.
Europe's median age rose from 34.4 years in 1990 to 43.9 years in 2022.
The global old-age dependency ratio is expected to rise from 16% in 2020 to 24% by 2050.
Life expectancy at birth worldwide increased to 73.4 years in 2023 from 66.8 in 2000.
In Japan, healthy life expectancy for women is 75.5 years as of 2022.
Global healthcare spending on elderly is 40% of total despite 12% population share.
Pension spending in OECD countries averages 8.5% of GDP in 2022.
Japan's public debt exceeds 250% of GDP partly due to ageing costs.
Worldwide, 1 in 6 people will be over 65 by 2050.
EU's 80+ population to triple to 30 million by 2100.
US centenarians projected to reach 600,000 by 2050 from 80,000.
In US, nursing home residents to increase 50% by 2030.
EU long-term care recipients number 15 million in 2023.
Japan's care workers shortage projected at 500,000 by 2025.

Rapid global ageing will strain societies and healthcare systems worldwide.

Demographics

Globally, the number of people aged 60 and over is projected to double by 2050, reaching 2.1 billion, according to the United Nations.
In Japan, 29.1% of the population was aged 65 or older as of 2023, the highest proportion worldwide.
Europe's median age rose from 34.4 years in 1990 to 43.9 years in 2022.
The US population aged 65+ increased by 38.6% from 2010 to 2020, reaching 55.8 million.
China's elderly population (60+) hit 280 million in 2023, comprising 19.8% of total population.
In South Korea, the proportion of people over 65 reached 18.4% in 2023.
India's elderly (60+) population was 149 million in 2021, projected to 194 million by 2031.
Australia's over-65 population share grew from 13.1% in 2011 to 16.5% in 2022.
In Italy, 24.1% of the population was 65+ in 2023.
Germany's median age was 47.8 years in 2022, up from 42.4 in 2002.
Brazil's elderly population (65+) doubled to 10.9% between 2000 and 2022.
In Canada, seniors (65+) made up 19% of population in 2023.
Russia's over-65 share was 16.5% in 2022.
France's 75+ population grew by 25% from 2010 to 2020.
In the UK, 18.6% were 65+ in 2022.
Spain's elderly dependency ratio reached 32.5% in 2023.
In Sweden, life expectancy at birth was 82.5 years in 2022, contributing to ageing.
Portugal's 65+ population hit 23.4% in 2023.
In Greece, 22.3% were over 65 in 2022.
Finland's median age was 43.1 years in 2023.
In the Netherlands, elderly share rose to 20.4% in 2023.
Austria's over-65 population was 19.7% in 2022.
In Belgium, 20.2% were 65+ in 2023.
Denmark's elderly ratio was 20.6% in 2022.
Norway's 67+ population share was 17.2% in 2023.
Switzerland's median age reached 43.2 years in 2022.
In Ireland, 65+ grew to 14.1% in 2022.
New Zealand's elderly share was 16.5% in 2023.
Singapore's 65+ population hit 13.2% in 2023.
In Taiwan, 17.9% were over 65 in 2023.
Thailand's elderly (60+) reached 20.5% in 2023.

Demographics Interpretation

Earth is steadily trading its youth for wisdom, as nearly every nation from Japan to Brazil becomes a demographic silver fox, prompting us to urgently rewrite the social contract for 2.1 billion future seniors.

Economics

Global healthcare spending on elderly is 40% of total despite 12% population share.
Pension spending in OECD countries averages 8.5% of GDP in 2022.
Japan's public debt exceeds 250% of GDP partly due to ageing costs.
In EU, age-related public spending to rise 3% of GDP by 2070.
US Social Security outlays reached $1.2 trillion in 2023 for 67 million beneficiaries.
Labour force participation for 65-69 in OECD fell to 35% in 2022.
China's worker-to-retiree ratio dropped to 5:1 in 2023 from 10:1 in 2000.
In Italy, pensions consume 16% of GDP.
Germany's healthcare spending on over-65s is 45% of total.
UK fiscal costs of ageing projected at £15 billion extra by 2030.
In South Korea, elderly poverty rate is 43.4% in 2022.
France's long-term care spending is 1.5% of GDP.
In US, Medicare spending grew 8.7% to $944 billion in 2022.
Spain's pension deficit reached €20 billion in 2023.
Australia's superannuation assets hit AUD 3.5 trillion in 2023, driven by ageing.
In Canada, age-related spending to rise from 11% to 15% of GDP by 2060.
Sweden's elderly care costs 4.2% of GDP.
In Netherlands, 25% of workforce will be 55+ by 2030.
Brazil's pension reform saved 1.3% of GDP annually.
India's elderly healthcare costs to double by 2030.
In Switzerland, old-age dependency ratio at 32% in 2022.
Finland's public expenditure on pensions 12.5% GDP.
In Belgium, ageing to add 4% GDP to spending by 2050.
Norway's oil fund supports 20% elderly population.
In Singapore, CPF savings for retirement cover 60% needs.
Denmark's pension assets-to-GDP ratio is 170%.
In EU, silver economy valued at €3.7 trillion in 2022.
Portugal's elderly poverty rate 18.2% in 2022.
In global terms, ageing reduces GDP growth by 1% per decade.

Economics Interpretation

We are collectively trying to solve a simple math problem—more candles on the cake and fewer hands to hold it—with a budget that is straining under the sheer weight of our collective goodwill and longevity.

Health

The global old-age dependency ratio is expected to rise from 16% in 2020 to 24% by 2050.
Life expectancy at birth worldwide increased to 73.4 years in 2023 from 66.8 in 2000.
In Japan, healthy life expectancy for women is 75.5 years as of 2022.
Alzheimer's disease affects 55 million people globally, mostly elderly, with 10 million new cases yearly.
15% of adults over 60 suffer from a mental disorder worldwide.
Falls cause 37.3 million injuries requiring medical attention annually in those 65+.
Multimorbidity affects 65% of people over 85 in high-income countries.
Hearing loss impacts 1 in 3 people over 65 globally.
In the EU, 40% of those 65+ have three or more chronic conditions.
Osteoporosis causes 8.9 million fractures yearly worldwide, mostly in elderly women.
Depression prevalence among elderly is 7% globally, rising to 17% in care homes.
Vision impairment affects 2.2 billion people, 65% preventable, many elderly.
In the US, 80% of older adults have at least one chronic disease.
Pneumonia is the leading infectious cause of death in over-65s, with 2.5 million deaths yearly.
Sarcopenia affects 10% of community-dwelling elderly over 60.
In Australia, 50% of 75+ have dementia or mild cognitive impairment.
COPD prevalence in 65+ is 14.4% globally.
In UK, 1 in 6 people over 80 have dementia.
Heart disease accounts for 26% of deaths in US 65+.
In Canada, 90% of seniors have at least one chronic condition.
Diabetes prevalence in elderly is 20.9% in high-income countries.
In Japan, 25% of 65+ have frailty syndrome.
Cancer incidence rises sharply after 65, accounting for 50% of cases.
In EU, 30% of 65+ report loneliness impacting health.
Stroke is 4th leading cause of death in 65+, with 6.5 million deaths yearly.
In US, 50 million adults 65+ take 5+ medications daily, risking polypharmacy.
Malnutrition affects 5-10% of community elderly, 50% in hospitals.
In China, 15% of 60+ have depression.
Parkinson's affects 1% of 60+ worldwide.
In Brazil, hypertension in 65+ is 74%.

Health Interpretation

Humanity's great success in extending our lifespans is now being soberly traded for the complex task of managing multiple, overlapping declines.

Projections

Worldwide, 1 in 6 people will be over 65 by 2050.
EU's 80+ population to triple to 30 million by 2100.
US centenarians projected to reach 600,000 by 2050 from 80,000.
Japan's population to shrink 30% by 2070, with 40% over 65.
China's 65+ to peak at 400 million by 2050.
India to have 340 million elderly by 2050.
South Korea's elderly share to hit 40% by 2060.
Germany's population to decline 10% by 2050, median age 50.
Italy's fertility rate at 1.24 will make 35% elderly by 2050.
UK's over-85s to double to 2.7 million by 2040.
France's dependency ratio to 50% by 2050.
Spain's 65+ to 30% by 2050.
Australia's 65+ to 23% by 2066.
Canada's seniors to 25% by 2040.
Brazil's elderly to 25% by 2050.
Russia's life expectancy to 78 by 2030.
Sweden's median age to 47 by 2070.
Netherlands' 75+ to quadruple by 2100.
Finland's population peak passed, 65+ to 30% by 2050.
Belgium's old-age dependency to 45% by 2050.
Switzerland's 80+ to 15% by 2050.
Norway's elderly share to 26% by 2060.
Denmark's super-elderly (80+) to 10% by 2047.
Portugal's 65+ to 32% by 2050.
Greece's population to halve by 2100 due to ageing.
Ireland's median age to 45 by 2051.
Singapore's life expectancy to 85 by 2030.
Thailand's elderly to 30% by 2035.
Global healthy life expectancy to rise 5 years by 2050.

Projections Interpretation

The world is rapidly becoming a giant retirement community, where planning for healthcare, pensions, and social support will be the defining political challenge of the century.

Social Services

In US, nursing home residents to increase 50% by 2030.
EU long-term care recipients number 15 million in 2023.
Japan's care workers shortage projected at 500,000 by 2025.
UK dementia care costs £42 billion annually.
In US, 70% of 65+ will need long-term care.
China's eldercare facilities house 8 million, need for 100 million.
Australia has 250,000 aged care places for 3.7 million seniors.
Germany's home care recipients rose 20% to 4 million since 2017.
In Canada, wait times for long-term care average 6 months.
France's APA benefits 1.6 million elderly.
Italy's non-self-sufficient elderly number 3 million.
Spain's residential care beds for elderly: 400,000.
Sweden's municipal eldercare serves 20% of 80+.
Netherlands' home care budget €10 billion yearly.
Finland's care allowance paid to 100,000 elderly.
In UK, unpaid carers for elderly: 5 million.
Belgium's family caregivers: 1.4 million.
Switzerland's home care spending CHF 12 billion.
Norway's nursing homes have 40,000 beds.
Denmark's eldercare staff: 200,000 FTE.
Portugal's social support for elderly: €1.2 billion.
In Brazil, family provides 90% of eldercare.
India's old age pension reaches 25 million beneficiaries.
Singapore's community care for seniors: 20,000 beds planned.
Thailand's universal coverage for LTC starts 2025 for 1 million.

Social Services Interpretation

It seems the global family reunion is on, but the house is far too small, the caregivers are hopelessly outnumbered, and the bill has just arrived with a jaw-dropping total.

Sources & References

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