Global aging trends demand healthcare and social care reforms

The International Day of Older Persons highlights a significant global demographic shift toward an ‘era of longevity.’ According to the United Nations, the global population of people aged 60 and older is approximately 1.2 billion and is projected to reach 2.1 billion by 2050, representing about one-fifth of the world's population.

In Greece, 23.7% of the population is aged 65 or older. The Greek Gerontological and Geriatric Society emphasizes the urgent need to redesign healthcare and social care systems, focusing on prevention, long-term care, and geriatric services. This trend is driven by increased life expectancy and declining birth rates; by the late 2070s, the number of people aged 65 and older is expected to exceed the number of children under 18.

Europe is at the forefront of this transition. As of early 2025, 99 million people in the EU were aged 65 or older, accounting for 22% of the population. While modern medical advancements and nutrition have improved the quality of life—allowing many seniors to remain active, socially engaged, and digitally literate—challenges remain regarding pension adequacy and the necessity of state support for those with health issues.