Moldova faces high demographic aging as seniors reach 25.9% of population

The Republic of Moldova is experiencing a high level of demographic aging. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, as of early 2026, 611,900 people aged 60 and over resided in the country, accounting for 25.9% of the total population. This is an increase from 25.2% at the start of 2024.

The aging process is significantly more pronounced among women. The aging coefficient for women stands at 29.2%, compared to 22% for men. This gender gap widens with age; among those aged 85 and older, there are only 35 men for every 100 women. At age 60, women have a life expectancy approximately 21 years longer than men, who have about 16 years remaining.

These demographic shifts are placing pressure on the pension system. As of January 1, 2026, there were 671,700 pensioners in Moldova. The average pension was 4,435.6 lei, though a notable gender gap exists: men received an average of 4,964.3 lei, while women received 4,162 lei, a difference of over 16%. Additionally, the number of economically active persons aged 60 and over decreased by 11.1% in 2025, falling to 87,300.