The world is ageing

Ageing is a triumph of our times – a product of improved public health, sanitation and development. Yet over 100 million older people live on less than a dollar a day.*

• In 1950, 8 out of every 100 people were over 60. By 2050, 22 out of every 100 people will be over 60.* 
• By 2045, the global population of people aged 60 years and over will likely surpass, for the first time in history, the number of children under age 15.*
• The increasing share of older people in the world’s population results from a combination of hugely increased life expectancy and reduced fertility. Total fertility is expected to decline from 2.82 children per woman in 1995-2000 to 2.15 children per woman in 2045-2050. Life expectancy worldwide is expected to increase by 11 years, from 65 in 1995-2000 to 76 in 2045-2050, despite the impact of HIV/AIDS.*

Most of the world's older people live in developing countries

• Even in the poorest countries, life expectancy is increasing and the number of older people is growing. In 2000, there were 374 million people over 60 in developing countries – 62% of the world's older people. In 2015, there will be 597 million older people in developing countries – 67% of the world's older people.*
• In 2005, one in twelve people in developing countries is over 60. By 2015, one in ten people in developing countries will be over 60 and, by 2050, one in five people in developing countries will be over 60.*
• In every region, the rate of population increase for the 65-and-over age group is higher than for the under-14 age group and the 15-64 age group.*

There are more older women and they are more likely to be poor

• The majority of older persons are women.*
• In 2006, there are 82 men for every 100 women over 60 worldwide.* 
• In developing countries, the gap is less wide: there are 85 men for every 100 women over 60. However, with age this gap increases – for over 80s, there are only 73 men for every 100.*
• Older women are more likely to be widowed, to live alone and in poverty.  Source:  Yvonne J. Gist and Victoria A.Velkoff ‘Gender and Aging: Demographic Dimensions’ International Programmes Centre,U.S Department of Commerce, 1997
• Three of every four older poor individuals are women, with women being twice as likely to be living in poverty as men. Source:  Choudhury, Sharmila and Michael V. Leonesio. 1997. Life-Cycle Aspects of Poverty among Older Women, Social Security Bulletin, 60(2): 17-36

Older people care for people with HIV/AIDS and orphans

• Older people are the primary carers for orphaned and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS and those living with HIV/AIDS. Source:  Building blocks: Africa-wide briefing notes – supporting older carers, HIV AIDS Alliance and HelpAge International, 2004
• In Botswana, Namibia, Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, up to 60 per cent of orphaned children live in grandparent headed households.  Source:  Monasch,R and JT Boerma 2004 cited in AIDS: the frontline: Supporting older carers of people living with HIV/AIDS and orphaned children in Mozambique, South Africa and Sudan, the Global Coalition on Women and AIDS, December 2005
• In Thailand, older people care for two-thirds of younger adults who die of AIDS and almost half of all orphans live with their grandparents.  Source:  Knodel, J et al, AIDS and older persons:  the view from Thailand, PSC Research Report, 2-497, February 2002

*Source:UNDESA, Population Ageing Wallchart 2006 (800kb pdf), Population Division 2006