‘Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide’
The number of people aged 65 years or older worldwide is projected to more than double, rising from 761 million in 2021 to 1.6 billion in 2050. The number of people aged 80 years or older is growing even faster.
Today, life expectancy at birth exceeds 75 years in half of the world’s countries or areas, 25 years longer than those born in 1950. Individuals reaching the age of 65 are now expected to live an additional 16.8 years on average.
In 2018, a historic milestone was reached when the number of older persons outnumbered children under five for the first time globally. By 2030, the global population of older persons is projected to exceed the number of youth and double the number of children under five.
As populations age, the demand for healthcare and social support has surged, especially for those with conditions like dementia, a major cause of dependency and disability in older adults. Specialized care is now essential to meet these growing needs.
Women, who comprise most care recipients and caregivers, contribute roughly 70% of global informal care hours. This is especially true in low- and middle-income countries with limited care services, making women more vulnerable to poverty in old age.
