Turkey population ages as elderly share hits record 11.1%

Data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) reveals a significant demographic shift in Turkey, characterized by a rapidly aging population. The median age has risen to 34.9, a substantial increase from 24.8 in the year 2000.

The proportion of the population aged 65 and older has reached a historic high of 11.1%, totaling approximately 9.58 million people. This follows a 20.5% increase in the elderly population over the last five years. Conversely, the share of children aged 0-14 has declined to 20.4%, down from 26.4% in 2007.

This transformation is driven by a fertility rate of approximately 1.42, which is below the replacement level of 2.1. Projections suggest that if current trends continue, the elderly population could reach 13.5% by 2030 and 27% by 2060. Experts note that this narrowing population pyramid may place increased pressure on healthcare, social security, and retirement systems.