Today almost 1 in 10 people are over 60 years old. By 2050 the figure will be 1 in 5. Currently 64% of older people live in less developed regions, by 2050 this figure will rise to 80%.

Globally, people aged over 60 will outnumber children aged 0-14 by 2050. Even in the least developed countries adults who survive to 60 can expect to live a further 15 years or more.

Change in population structure has huge implications for the global economy, society, social and development policy.

The data presented in State of the World's Older People brings together global and regional data on older people. It examines the situation of older men and women in 5 countries in-depth – Bangladesh, Bolivia, Moldova, Vietnam and Uganda.

What do people want in old age? The answers are the same the world over, from the poorest to the most powerful: financial security, good healthcare and participation in society.

Older people want equal treatment and equal rights.

But what they experience is discrimination, poor health and poverty. Both the depth and incidence of poverty increases with age.

During crises – humanitarian disasters and illness – the life chances of older people, particular those who live alone plummet. For example, when food is distributed in the aftermath of a disaster, older people may not be able to reach the distribution point due to mobility issues, and those that can are often pushed out of the way by hungry crowds jostling for aid. Read Perumal's story.

State of the World's Older people draws on available data disaggregated by age, consultations with older people's organisations worldwide and interviews with government ministers to highlight issues that concern the poorest. HelpAge International is addressing these issues and is working towards a series of targets which will the realise the rights of disadvantaged older people.