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Brazil faces rapid demographic shift as elderly population grows
Brazil is undergoing a rapid demographic transition characterized by a significant increase in its elderly population. Data from IBGE indicates that the population aged 60 or older is projected to nearly double, reaching approximately 69 million by 2054.
In the state of São Paulo, a major demographic milestone was reached in 2025: for the first time, the number of people aged 60 or older has surpassed the number of children and adolescents under 15. The state's aging index has reached 101.0, meaning there are 101 elderly individuals for every 100 youths. This trend is particularly pronounced in the northwestern region of the state.
Regional variations exist across the country. The Southeast region currently holds the highest proportion of elderly residents at roughly 18%. In Espírito Santo, the elderly population grew by 73.1% between 2010 and 2022, a rate exceeding the national average.
This shift is driving changes in social and economic structures, including increased demand for specialized healthcare, long-term care, and accessible urban infrastructure. Additionally, the digital landscape is changing, with the number of elderly internet users in Brazil quadrupling between 2016 and 2025, reaching 26.6 million. The rise in single-person households, which reached 15.6 million in 2025, is also influencing the real estate market.
Entities
Brazil · Espírito Santo · IBGE · Nexus · Seade · Seade Foundation · São Paulo
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] In the state of São Paulo, the number of people aged 60 or older has surpassed the number of people under 15. fatopaulista.com.br · www.gazetaderiopreto.com.br · contilnetnoticias.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Brazil's population aged 60 or older is projected to grow from 34.2 million in 2024 to nearly 69 million by 2054. economiasp.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The elderly population in Espírito Santo grew by 73.1% between 2010 and 2022. politicacapixaba.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Internet access among Brazilians aged 60 or older reached 74.5% in 2025. www.em.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The number of Brazilian internet users aged 60 or older grew from 6.5 million in 2016 to 26.6 million in 2025. exame.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The number of Brazilians living in single-person households reached 15.6 million in 2025. regionalzao.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] The aging index in São Paulo reached 101.0 in 2025. fatopaulista.com.br · www.gazetaderiopreto.com.br · contilnetnoticias.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Southeast region of Brazil has the highest proportion of elderly residents at approximately 18%. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br