# Global population aging and demographic shifts

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-population-aging-and-demographic-shifts
> Updated: 2026-09-08T06:32:28.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 4.

The global population is undergoing a significant demographic shift toward aging, driven by declining fertility rates and increased life expectancy. A historical milestone was reached between 2020 and 2025, when the number of adults aged 65 and older surpassed the number of children aged 5 and younger for the first time.

Projections indicate that the proportion of the global population aged 65 and older could rise from 10.5% in 2025 to 19.6% by 2060, at which point the elderly population is expected to reach approximately 2 billion within a total global population of 10.23 billion. While Japan held the world’s oldest population in 2025, South Korea is projected to lead by 2060 with 41% of its population in this age bracket. Although Europe remains the oldest region—with the EU fertility rate dropping to 1.34 children per woman—Africa is expected to surpass it in the total number of older adults by 2060. These trends are expanding to include large nations such as China and India, where fertility rates have fallen below the replacement level of 2.1.

In the United States, the proportion of those over 65 is projected to rise from 18.9% in 2025 to 23.4% by 2060. However, increased longevity is not always accompanied by improved health; in the US, the proportion of healthy years lived by those over 60 decreased between 2000 and 2019. Experts warn of a “fertility trap” and increasing pressure on national budgets, healthcare systems, and social security programs as the ratio of workers to retirees shifts. To address financial hardships, some nations utilize specific safety nets, such as Hungary, where the State Treasury provides discretionary one-time aid to pensioners facing life-threatening circumstances.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-08: Global elderly population surpasses young children for the first time

The global population of people aged 65 and older has surpassed children aged five and under for the first time, driven by falling fertility rates and longer life expectancy.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/global-elderly-population-surpasses-young-children-for-the-first-time

### 2026-09-06: Global aging trends pose challenges for healthcare and pension systems

Global populations are aging rapidly, with seniors projected to outnumber young children. This shift brings challenges regarding chronic health issues and the need for social safety nets for pensioners.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/global-aging-trends-pose-challenges-for-healthcare-and-pension-systems

### 2026-09-03: Global demographic shifts drive discussions on rising retirement ages

Global demographics are shifting as the elderly population outpaces children. In Greece, rising life expectancy may lead to potential retirement age increases to 68.5 by 2030.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/global-demographic-shifts-drive-discussions-on-rising-retirement-ages

### 2026-08-31: Global population aging projected to nearly double by 2060

The global population aged 65+ is projected to reach 19.6% by 2060, driven by declining fertility and longer life expectancy, creating significant pressure on global healthcare and economic systems.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/global-population-aging-poses-rising-healthcare-challenges

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Cite as: Global population aging and demographic shifts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-population-aging-and-demographic-shifts