GITNUXREPORT 2026

Aging Population Statistics

The world's population is aging rapidly, creating profound global economic and healthcare challenges.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

In 2023, Japan's population aged 65 and over reached 36.25 million, comprising 29.1% of the total population, the highest proportion globally.

Statistic 2

The United States had 58 million people aged 65+ in 2022, representing 17.3% of the population, projected to reach 82 million by 2050.

Statistic 3

Europe's share of population over 65 was 21% in 2022, expected to rise to 30% by 2050 according to UN projections.

Statistic 4

China’s elderly population (60+) hit 280 million in 2023, accounting for 19.8% of total, forecasted to exceed 400 million by 2035.

Statistic 5

In South Korea, 18.6% of the population was 65+ in 2023, with projections indicating it will become a "super-aged" society (over 20%) by 2025.

Statistic 6

Italy's median age was 48.4 years in 2023, the highest in the EU, with 24.1% over 65.

Statistic 7

Germany's population aged 67+ is projected to increase by 45% from 2022 to 2040, reaching 21.8 million.

Statistic 8

In 2022, Canada had 7.3 million seniors (19% of population), expected to grow to 24% by 2040.

Statistic 9

Australia's over-65 population was 4.2 million (16.1%) in 2022, projected to 8.8 million (23%) by 2066.

Statistic 10

France reported 13.9 million people aged 65+ in 2023, 20.6% of total population.

Statistic 11

In 2023, the global population aged 80+ was 150 million, projected to triple to 450 million by 2050 per UN data.

Statistic 12

India's elderly (60+) numbered 149 million in 2021, expected to reach 194 million by 2031.

Statistic 13

Spain's 65+ population was 9.5 million in 2023, 20.1% of total, with highest life expectancy in EU.

Statistic 14

UK's over-65s reached 12.1 million in 2022, 18.3% of population, up 15% from 2012.

Statistic 15

In 2023, Portugal had 23.4% of population over 65, second highest in EU after Italy.

Statistic 16

Greece's elderly ratio was 22.3% in 2022, with projections to 29% by 2050.

Statistic 17

Finland's 65+ population was 1.2 million (22%) in 2023, expected to peak at 26% by 2030.

Statistic 18

Sweden had 2.1 million over 65 (20.3%) in 2023, with stable growth projected.

Statistic 19

Netherlands' elderly share rose to 20.5% in 2023 from 15% in 2010.

Statistic 20

Belgium's 65+ was 19.7% in 2022, forecasted to 25% by 2040.

Statistic 21

In OECD countries, pension spending averages 8.5% of GDP in 2022, driven by aging.

Statistic 22

Japan's public debt exceeds 250% of GDP partly due to elderly support costs (2023).

Statistic 23

US Social Security outlays for 65+ reached $1.2 trillion in 2023, 24% of federal budget.

Statistic 24

Europe's old-age dependency ratio hit 32% in 2023, projected to 50% by 2050.

Statistic 25

Labor force participation for 65-69 in US fell to 27% in 2023 from 20% in 2000.

Statistic 26

China's pension deficit projected at 10 trillion yuan by 2035 due to 400M retirees.

Statistic 27

Healthcare spending on over-65s is 5x higher per capita than under-65s in Australia (2023).

Statistic 28

Italy's pension expenditures are 16.5% of GDP (2022), highest in EU.

Statistic 29

Global retiree savings gap estimated at $68 trillion by 2050 (2023 Mercer report).

Statistic 30

Germany's worker-to-retiree ratio dropped to 2.7:1 in 2023 from 3.3:1 in 2010.

Statistic 31

UK state pension costs £120 billion annually in 2023, 4.5% of GDP.

Statistic 32

France's elderly care spending rose 12% to €40 billion in 2022.

Statistic 33

South Korea's national pension fund projected to deplete by 2056 due to aging.

Statistic 34

In Canada, seniors' income from pensions averages CAD 25,000/year (2023).

Statistic 35

Spain's unemployment among 55-64 is 12.5%, limiting pension contributions (2023).

Statistic 36

Global long-term care market valued at $1.2 trillion in 2023, growing 7% annually.

Statistic 37

Netherlands' elderly poverty rate is 3.5%, lowest in EU due to strong pensions (2022).

Statistic 38

Sweden's public LTC spending is 3.2% of GDP (2023), highest in OECD.

Statistic 39

In 2050, 80% of over-80s will live in Europe and North America (UN).

Statistic 40

Africa's median age is 19.7 years (2023), vs 43 in Europe.

Statistic 41

Asia hosts 60% of world's over-60s, 1.1 billion in 2023.

Statistic 42

Latin America's 65+ share from 9% in 2023 to 25% by 2050.

Statistic 43

Middle East/North Africa's elderly growth rate fastest at 4.3% annually.

Statistic 44

US has highest absolute number of centenarians: 108,000 in 2023.

Statistic 45

Japan's super-aged (28% over 65) vs China's aging (14%) in 2023.

Statistic 46

Eastern Europe's dependency ratio 30% higher than Western (2023).

Statistic 47

India's elderly % is 10.1% (2023), but absolute 150M largest in South Asia.

Statistic 48

Australia's aging rate similar to Europe's at 17% over 65 (2023).

Statistic 49

Sub-Saharan Africa's over-65 is only 3.5%, projected 10% by 2100.

Statistic 50

Russia's life expectancy gap: men 73.5, women 79.3 years (2023).

Statistic 51

Brazil's urban elderly 70% of total seniors (2023).

Statistic 52

Singapore's 65+ at 14.6%, but fastest aging in SE Asia.

Statistic 53

Iran's elderly doubled to 7% in decade, now 6.5M (2023).

Statistic 54

Mexico's over-65 projected from 7% to 28% by 2100.

Statistic 55

Thailand "aged society" at 14.3% over 60 (2023).

Statistic 56

In 2023, global life expectancy at birth reached 73.3 years, up from 66.8 in 2000, driven by aging populations.

Statistic 57

Women aged 65+ have a life expectancy of 20.6 additional years globally in 2023, compared to 17.4 for men.

Statistic 58

In Japan, average life expectancy is 84.3 years (2023), with 27.6% of women over 65 living to 90+.

Statistic 59

Alzheimer's disease affects 55 million people worldwide in 2023, projected to reach 139 million by 2050 due to aging.

Statistic 60

50% of US adults over 85 have dementia in 2023, with prevalence rising sharply with age.

Statistic 61

Osteoporosis causes 8.9 million fractures annually worldwide, mostly in women over 50 (2023 data).

Statistic 62

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for those 65+, accounting for 25% of deaths in OECD countries (2022).

Statistic 63

In Europe, 40% of over-65s report chronic multimorbidity in 2023 surveys.

Statistic 64

COVID-19 mortality rate for 80+ was 15.8% globally in 2020-2022, vs 0.2% under 40.

Statistic 65

Healthy life expectancy at 60 is 17.5 years for men and 20.2 for women worldwide (2023).

Statistic 66

In China, 15% of elderly have depression, linked to aging and urbanization (2023 study).

Statistic 67

Falls cause 37.3 million injuries requiring medical attention annually in over-65s globally.

Statistic 68

Cancer incidence peaks at ages 75-84, with 40% of cases in over-65s in high-income countries.

Statistic 69

Visual impairment affects 2.2 billion people, 1 billion unnecessary, mostly preventable in aging pop.

Statistic 70

Hearing loss in 65+ is 30% globally, rising to 60% over 80 (2023).

Statistic 71

Diabetes prevalence in 65+ is 20.5% in US (2023), double that of younger adults.

Statistic 72

Loneliness increases mortality risk by 29% in elderly, equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes/day.

Statistic 73

Pneumonia hospitalization rates for 85+ are 10x higher than under 65 in Europe (2022).

Statistic 74

Sarcopenia affects 10% of over-65s worldwide, leading to frailty (2023 meta-analysis).

Statistic 75

Family caregivers in US provide $600 billion in unpaid care annually (2023).

Statistic 76

53 million Americans are family caregivers, 22% for someone 50+ (2023 AARP).

Statistic 77

In Japan, 2.3 million use LTC insurance, costing ¥12 trillion yearly (2023).

Statistic 78

Europe's nursing home beds per 1,000 over-65s average 50, highest in Finland at 100.

Statistic 79

China has 40,000 elderly care facilities for 280M seniors (2023 shortfall).

Statistic 80

UK has 410,000 care home beds, but 50,000 vacancies due to staffing (2023).

Statistic 81

In US, 70% of 65+ will need LTC, average 3 years (2023 estimate).

Statistic 82

Australia's aged care workforce is 400,000, with 20% vacancy rate (2023).

Statistic 83

Germany's home care recipients number 4.2 million under LTC insurance (2023).

Statistic 84

Italy's unpaid family caregivers are 7.1 million, 80% women (2023).

Statistic 85

France has 1.4 million professional caregivers for elderly (2023).

Statistic 86

South Korea's elderly living alone rose to 1.2 million (2023), 40% of seniors.

Statistic 87

Canada’s home care services reach 1.4 million clients yearly (2023).

Statistic 88

Spain's residential care covers 2% of over-65s, reliant on family (2023).

Statistic 89

Global elder abuse affects 1 in 6 over-65s (15.7%) per WHO 2023.

Statistic 90

Netherlands' dementia villages house 150+ residents in 152 locations (2023).

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Sweden's elderly co-housing projects number 200, serving 10,000 (2023).

Statistic 92

Belgium's respite care programs assisted 50,000 families in 2022.

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Picture a world where nearly a third of Japan's citizens, tens of millions across the U.S. and Europe, and hundreds of millions more in China are all over the age of 65—this is not a distant future but our present reality, as societies globally are being reshaped by unprecedented demographic aging.

Key Takeaways

In 2023, Japan's population aged 65 and over reached 36.25 million, comprising 29.1% of the total population, the highest proportion globally.
The United States had 58 million people aged 65+ in 2022, representing 17.3% of the population, projected to reach 82 million by 2050.
Europe's share of population over 65 was 21% in 2022, expected to rise to 30% by 2050 according to UN projections.
In 2023, global life expectancy at birth reached 73.3 years, up from 66.8 in 2000, driven by aging populations.
Women aged 65+ have a life expectancy of 20.6 additional years globally in 2023, compared to 17.4 for men.
In Japan, average life expectancy is 84.3 years (2023), with 27.6% of women over 65 living to 90+.
In OECD countries, pension spending averages 8.5% of GDP in 2022, driven by aging.
Japan's public debt exceeds 250% of GDP partly due to elderly support costs (2023).
US Social Security outlays for 65+ reached $1.2 trillion in 2023, 24% of federal budget.
Family caregivers in US provide $600 billion in unpaid care annually (2023).
53 million Americans are family caregivers, 22% for someone 50+ (2023 AARP).
In Japan, 2.3 million use LTC insurance, costing ¥12 trillion yearly (2023).
In 2050, 80% of over-80s will live in Europe and North America (UN).
Africa's median age is 19.7 years (2023), vs 43 in Europe.
Asia hosts 60% of world's over-60s, 1.1 billion in 2023.

The world's population is aging rapidly, creating profound global economic and healthcare challenges.

Demographic Trends

In 2023, Japan's population aged 65 and over reached 36.25 million, comprising 29.1% of the total population, the highest proportion globally.
The United States had 58 million people aged 65+ in 2022, representing 17.3% of the population, projected to reach 82 million by 2050.
Europe's share of population over 65 was 21% in 2022, expected to rise to 30% by 2050 according to UN projections.
China’s elderly population (60+) hit 280 million in 2023, accounting for 19.8% of total, forecasted to exceed 400 million by 2035.
In South Korea, 18.6% of the population was 65+ in 2023, with projections indicating it will become a "super-aged" society (over 20%) by 2025.
Italy's median age was 48.4 years in 2023, the highest in the EU, with 24.1% over 65.
Germany's population aged 67+ is projected to increase by 45% from 2022 to 2040, reaching 21.8 million.
In 2022, Canada had 7.3 million seniors (19% of population), expected to grow to 24% by 2040.
Australia's over-65 population was 4.2 million (16.1%) in 2022, projected to 8.8 million (23%) by 2066.
France reported 13.9 million people aged 65+ in 2023, 20.6% of total population.
In 2023, the global population aged 80+ was 150 million, projected to triple to 450 million by 2050 per UN data.
India's elderly (60+) numbered 149 million in 2021, expected to reach 194 million by 2031.
Spain's 65+ population was 9.5 million in 2023, 20.1% of total, with highest life expectancy in EU.
UK's over-65s reached 12.1 million in 2022, 18.3% of population, up 15% from 2012.
In 2023, Portugal had 23.4% of population over 65, second highest in EU after Italy.
Greece's elderly ratio was 22.3% in 2022, with projections to 29% by 2050.
Finland's 65+ population was 1.2 million (22%) in 2023, expected to peak at 26% by 2030.
Sweden had 2.1 million over 65 (20.3%) in 2023, with stable growth projected.
Netherlands' elderly share rose to 20.5% in 2023 from 15% in 2010.
Belgium's 65+ was 19.7% in 2022, forecasted to 25% by 2040.

Demographic Trends Interpretation

The planet is graying at a breathtaking pace, with nations from Japan to Germany racing to rewrite their social contracts before their silver-haired majorities demand a revolution of rocking chairs.

Economic Impacts

In OECD countries, pension spending averages 8.5% of GDP in 2022, driven by aging.
Japan's public debt exceeds 250% of GDP partly due to elderly support costs (2023).
US Social Security outlays for 65+ reached $1.2 trillion in 2023, 24% of federal budget.
Europe's old-age dependency ratio hit 32% in 2023, projected to 50% by 2050.
Labor force participation for 65-69 in US fell to 27% in 2023 from 20% in 2000.
China's pension deficit projected at 10 trillion yuan by 2035 due to 400M retirees.
Healthcare spending on over-65s is 5x higher per capita than under-65s in Australia (2023).
Italy's pension expenditures are 16.5% of GDP (2022), highest in EU.
Global retiree savings gap estimated at $68 trillion by 2050 (2023 Mercer report).
Germany's worker-to-retiree ratio dropped to 2.7:1 in 2023 from 3.3:1 in 2010.
UK state pension costs £120 billion annually in 2023, 4.5% of GDP.
France's elderly care spending rose 12% to €40 billion in 2022.
South Korea's national pension fund projected to deplete by 2056 due to aging.
In Canada, seniors' income from pensions averages CAD 25,000/year (2023).
Spain's unemployment among 55-64 is 12.5%, limiting pension contributions (2023).
Global long-term care market valued at $1.2 trillion in 2023, growing 7% annually.
Netherlands' elderly poverty rate is 3.5%, lowest in EU due to strong pensions (2022).
Sweden's public LTC spending is 3.2% of GDP (2023), highest in OECD.

Economic Impacts Interpretation

Our demographic math is no longer adding up, as the bills for our longer lives are coming due and the young are finding the tab increasingly difficult to split.

Global Comparisons

In 2050, 80% of over-80s will live in Europe and North America (UN).
Africa's median age is 19.7 years (2023), vs 43 in Europe.
Asia hosts 60% of world's over-60s, 1.1 billion in 2023.
Latin America's 65+ share from 9% in 2023 to 25% by 2050.
Middle East/North Africa's elderly growth rate fastest at 4.3% annually.
US has highest absolute number of centenarians: 108,000 in 2023.
Japan's super-aged (28% over 65) vs China's aging (14%) in 2023.
Eastern Europe's dependency ratio 30% higher than Western (2023).
India's elderly % is 10.1% (2023), but absolute 150M largest in South Asia.
Australia's aging rate similar to Europe's at 17% over 65 (2023).
Sub-Saharan Africa's over-65 is only 3.5%, projected 10% by 2100.
Russia's life expectancy gap: men 73.5, women 79.3 years (2023).
Brazil's urban elderly 70% of total seniors (2023).
Singapore's 65+ at 14.6%, but fastest aging in SE Asia.
Iran's elderly doubled to 7% in decade, now 6.5M (2023).
Mexico's over-65 projected from 7% to 28% by 2100.
Thailand "aged society" at 14.3% over 60 (2023).

Global Comparisons Interpretation

The global future looks like an elegantly lopsided retirement home, where Europe and North America will soon hold the record for most octogenarians, Asia has cornered the market on grandparents, and everywhere from Latin America to the Middle East is scrambling to build enough rocking chairs.

Health Impacts

In 2023, global life expectancy at birth reached 73.3 years, up from 66.8 in 2000, driven by aging populations.
Women aged 65+ have a life expectancy of 20.6 additional years globally in 2023, compared to 17.4 for men.
In Japan, average life expectancy is 84.3 years (2023), with 27.6% of women over 65 living to 90+.
Alzheimer's disease affects 55 million people worldwide in 2023, projected to reach 139 million by 2050 due to aging.
50% of US adults over 85 have dementia in 2023, with prevalence rising sharply with age.
Osteoporosis causes 8.9 million fractures annually worldwide, mostly in women over 50 (2023 data).
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for those 65+, accounting for 25% of deaths in OECD countries (2022).
In Europe, 40% of over-65s report chronic multimorbidity in 2023 surveys.
COVID-19 mortality rate for 80+ was 15.8% globally in 2020-2022, vs 0.2% under 40.
Healthy life expectancy at 60 is 17.5 years for men and 20.2 for women worldwide (2023).
In China, 15% of elderly have depression, linked to aging and urbanization (2023 study).
Falls cause 37.3 million injuries requiring medical attention annually in over-65s globally.
Cancer incidence peaks at ages 75-84, with 40% of cases in over-65s in high-income countries.
Visual impairment affects 2.2 billion people, 1 billion unnecessary, mostly preventable in aging pop.
Hearing loss in 65+ is 30% globally, rising to 60% over 80 (2023).
Diabetes prevalence in 65+ is 20.5% in US (2023), double that of younger adults.
Loneliness increases mortality risk by 29% in elderly, equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes/day.
Pneumonia hospitalization rates for 85+ are 10x higher than under 65 in Europe (2022).
Sarcopenia affects 10% of over-65s worldwide, leading to frailty (2023 meta-analysis).

Health Impacts Interpretation

We are living longer than ever, but these extra years are a bittersweet gift, as they are increasingly marred by a cascade of chronic diseases, cognitive decline, and preventable frailty, highlighting a critical gap between lifespan and healthspan.

Social Services

Family caregivers in US provide $600 billion in unpaid care annually (2023).
53 million Americans are family caregivers, 22% for someone 50+ (2023 AARP).
In Japan, 2.3 million use LTC insurance, costing ¥12 trillion yearly (2023).
Europe's nursing home beds per 1,000 over-65s average 50, highest in Finland at 100.
China has 40,000 elderly care facilities for 280M seniors (2023 shortfall).
UK has 410,000 care home beds, but 50,000 vacancies due to staffing (2023).
In US, 70% of 65+ will need LTC, average 3 years (2023 estimate).
Australia's aged care workforce is 400,000, with 20% vacancy rate (2023).
Germany's home care recipients number 4.2 million under LTC insurance (2023).
Italy's unpaid family caregivers are 7.1 million, 80% women (2023).
France has 1.4 million professional caregivers for elderly (2023).
South Korea's elderly living alone rose to 1.2 million (2023), 40% of seniors.
Canada’s home care services reach 1.4 million clients yearly (2023).
Spain's residential care covers 2% of over-65s, reliant on family (2023).
Global elder abuse affects 1 in 6 over-65s (15.7%) per WHO 2023.
Netherlands' dementia villages house 150+ residents in 152 locations (2023).
Sweden's elderly co-housing projects number 200, serving 10,000 (2023).
Belgium's respite care programs assisted 50,000 families in 2022.

Social Services Interpretation

The world is facing a silent, multi-trillion-dollar caregiving crisis, where our families are propping up aging societies with unpaid labor while formal systems buckle under the weight of demand, revealing a stark global imbalance between the need for dignified care and our collective capacity to provide it.

Sources & References

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