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Global elderly population outnumbers young children for first time
A report from the U.S. Census Bureau reveals a historic demographic milestone: in 2025, the global population of adults aged 65 and older exceeded the number of children aged 5 and under for the first time in recorded history.
Driven by increased life expectancy and fertility rates falling below the replacement level of 2.1 in 71 percent of countries, the elderly population is projected to grow from 10.5 percent of the global population in 2025 to 19.6 percent by 2060. While the total global population is expected to rise from 8 billion to 10 billion during this period, more than half of that growth—approximately 1.148 billion people—will come from the 65-and-over age group.
China serves as a notable example of this trend, with its birth rate dropping to 1.06 per woman in 2023. The shift presents significant fiscal challenges, as OECD data suggests public health spending in member nations may grow twice as fast as government revenues. In response, some European governments are already considering tighter welfare and pension rules to balance rising costs with increased defense spending.
Entities
China · National Institute on Aging · OECD · U.S. Census Bureau · United States
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The population aged 65 and over is projected to rise from 10.5 percent in 2025 to 19.6 percent by 2060. www.donanimhaber.com · slashdot.org
- [● 2 SOURCES] China's birth rate fell to 1.06 per woman in 2023. www.donanimhaber.com · slashdot.org
- [● 2 SOURCES] Global population is expected to grow from approximately 8 billion in 2025 to 10 billion by 2060. www.donanimhaber.com · slashdot.org
- [● 4 SOURCES] The global share of adults aged 65 and older exceeded the share of children aged 0 to 5 in 2025 for the first time on record. www.planet-today.com · www.donanimhaber.com · slashdot.org · vecer.mk
- [● 3 SOURCES] Fertility rates in 71 percent of countries are below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman. www.donanimhaber.com · slashdot.org · vecer.mk
- [● 2 SOURCES] Of the projected 2 billion person population increase by 2060, 1.148 billion will come from the 65-and-over age group. www.donanimhaber.com · slashdot.org