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On International Day of Older Persons, October 1st, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for ensuring the rights of older people so that they can adapt to an aging society, while also utilizing and maximizing the potential of this resource, which currently accounts for 10% of the global population.
The Age of the Elderly
According to United Nations data, over the past four decades, the number of elderly people (aged 65 and over) has tripled, from approximately 260 million in 1980 to 761 million in 2021. According to 2021 data from the German statistical agency Statista, the European Union (EU) has the oldest population in the world , with 21% of its population being elderly; followed by North America (17%), Oceania (13%), Asia (10%), and Latin America and the Caribbean (8%); Africa has the lowest average life expectancy, at only 4%.
By country, Japan currently has the highest percentage of the population over 65 years old in the world (accounting for 29.9% of the total population), followed by Italy (24.1%) and Finland (23.3%). In Vietnam, as of 2021, the number of people over 65 years old accounted for 8.3%.
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Older adults in Poland and Finland are supported in accessing digital services. |
It is estimated that by 2050, the number of elderly people worldwide could more than double compared to today, reaching 1.6 billion, meaning that one in six people will be 65 years old or older, accounting for approximately 16-17% of the global population. In the EU alone, by the middle of this century, about 30% of the population will belong to the so-called "older generation." In Asia, about 40% of the populations of Hong Kong (China), South Korea, and Japan will be 65 years old or older. These figures show that population aging is an irreversible global trend and could become one of the most significant social changes of the 21st century, impacting almost all socio-economic sectors.
Sustainable measures are needed.
Experts suggest that societies with aging populations should take steps to adjust public policies to accommodate the growing elderly population, such as improving the sustainability of pension and social security systems; establishing universal healthcare and long-term care systems.
Faced with the enormous challenges posed by an aging population, countries around the world have implemented measures to adapt to this situation. Japan is encouraging businesses to provide opportunities for elderly people who are still healthy enough to work.
China is also planning to re-employ retired teachers under the age of 70 to compensate for the mass retirement of education sector staff, while leveraging their experience and expertise. South Korea is increasing investment in its senior welfare system, including facilities providing home care, nursing homes, and agencies supporting senior employment.
In Europe, in addition to measures like Germany's, which involve opening their doors to more immigrant workers, countries are also continuing to adjust policies to create better job opportunities for the aging population, alongside strengthening social security and welfare systems for the elderly.
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