In this article, we will discuss the 30 countries with the largest percentage of the population aged 65 and up. You can skip our detailed discussion of an aging population and see the 5 Countries with the Largest Percentage of the Population Aged 65 and Up.
The global population is aging rapidly and thus, presents both challenges and opportunities. By 2030, one in six people worldwide will be 60 or older, increasing from 1 billion in 2020 to 1.4 billion. This trend is expected to intensify as people aged 60 and older will double to 2.1 billion by 2050. The aging population will not only increase in size but also in proportion, as the number of people aged 80 or older is projected to triple from 2020 to 2050 and will reach 426 million.
This shift is particularly noticeable in low- and middle-income countries, which will account for 80% of the world’s older population by 2050. These regions face grave challenges in adapting their health and social systems to accommodate the needs of an accelerated aging population. Currently, in some countries like Japan, where 30% of the population is already over 60, the aging trend began earlier and has progressed more swiftly.
As people live longer, there are growing concerns about the quality of life in later years. While aging brings opportunities for continued contribution to society, it also increases the prevalence of age-related health conditions, such as dementia, diabetes, and frailty.
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On the other hand, Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT) is also capitalizing on data and AI to support aging populations in Asia, where the elderly population is expected to triple to 1.3 billion by 2050. By partnering with healthcare providers, Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT) is shifting the focus from reactive to preventative care, using tools like the Halza app on Azure, which allows patients to securely manage their health data.
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While the world struggles with an aging population overall, Europe is critically observing an increasingly aging society. As of January 1, 2023, the EU population was estimated at 448.8 million people, with 21.3% aged 65 years and over. It is interesting to note that in 2013, the share of the population aged 65 and over constituted just 18.3% of the population. The median age in the EU also increased to 44.5 years. The old-age dependency ratio in Europe has also risen to 33.4% in 2023 which indicates that there are now just over three people of working age for every person aged 65 and over. Then there are some countries with ageing population problems like Portugal and Italy where this ratio is even higher and often exceeds 37%.
It is also concerning to note that loneliness among the aging population is a growing concern, with major implications for their health and well-being. A study by Jessica Finlay reveals that 59% of older adults now spend more time at home, and 75% dine out less frequently. This change is driven by fears of infection and uncomfortable social dynamics which leaves many feeling “left behind.” The loss of spontaneous interactions in “third places,” such as grocery stores and gyms, has further isolated this group and hence, reduced their opportunities for casual, friendly exchanges that are essential for mental well-being.
AT&T Inc (NYSE:T) has partnered with GrandPad to enhance the well-being of seniors by addressing the challenges of loneliness and social isolation. Through AT&T Inc (NYSE:T)’s IoT cellular network, GrandPad provides seniors with connectivity to their families, friends, and caregivers and enables video calls, emails, and virtual care conferences. This connectivity allows seniors to maintain social connections and engage with remote monitoring services without relying on Wi-Fi. The GrandPad tablet is designed specifically for people over 75 and comes pre-loaded with user-friendly features that cater to the needs of older adults. It simplifies communication, provides medication reminders, and offers wellness information, helping seniors manage their care more effectively.
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Our Methodology
To identify the countries with the largest percentage of the population aged 65 and up, we used the World Bank’s 2023 data on the population aged 65 and above (% of the total population). However, since multiple countries had similar percentages, we applied a tie-breaker based on their overall population and hence, ranked countries higher with a greater population. The list is presented in ascending order.
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30. Liechtenstein
Population Percentage (ages 65 and above): 20%
Total Population (in thousands): 39.58
With 20% of the population aged 65 and above, Liechtenstein is one of the countries with the largest oldest populations in the world.
29. Malta
Population Percentage (ages 65 and above): 20%
Total Population (in thousands):553
Projections indicate that by 2070, the population of Malta will grow to 811,000. Due to better life expectancy and a declining birth rate, the aging population will become more prominent and one in every three individuals will be over 65 years old.
28. Serbia
Population Percentage (ages 65 and above): 20%
Total Population (in thousands): 6618
Serbia is currently facing a severe demographic crisis as, according to the UN, there is an annual net loss of 51,000 people due to emigration, predominantly among the youth. The population is aging rapidly, and the birth rate is insufficient to replace those leaving or passing away.
27. Switzerland
Population Percentage (ages 65 and above): 20%
Total Population (in thousands):8849
Switzerland is facing an integral workforce challenge due to its aging population which has led to a severe labor shortage. With a growing percentage of retirees and a steady influx of young people into the workforce, projections suggest a potential shortage of up to half a million workers by 2030. To read more about labor shortages, see 15 Countries With The Highest Labor Shortages In The World.
26. Austria
Population Percentage (ages 65 and above): 20%
Total Population (in thousands): 9132
Between 2011 and 2021, the population in Austria grew by 6.7% and rose from 8.4 million to nearly 9 million. During this period, the proportion of individuals aged 65 and older increased from 17.8% to 19.4%. Meanwhile, the percentage of those aged 15 to 64 declined from 67.6% to 66.2%.
25. Hungary
Population Percentage (ages 65 and above): 20%
Total Population (in thousands):9589
The HUN-REN Centre anticipates that Hungary’s population will decrease to 8.5 million by 2050, down from the current 9.6 million. Even under the most optimistic scenario, where the fertility rate reaches 1.85, the population is projected to decline to 8.8 million.
24. Sweden
Population Percentage (ages 65 and above): 20%
Total Population (in thousands): 10,536
While Sweden has one of the oldest people, it also faces major demographic challenges. Foreign-born residents now make up 20% of the population, more than double the number from 2000. This rapid influx has strained integration efforts which have led to higher crime rates and deteriorating education standards.
23. Belgium
Population Percentage (ages 65 and above): 20%
Total Population (in thousands): 11,822
Belgium is one of the oldest countries in the world by age of population. With 20% of its population aged 65 and above, Belgium ranks 23rd in our list.
22. Ukraine
Population Percentage (ages 65 and above): 20%
Total Population (in thousands): 37,000
Currently, most families in Ukraine have only one child, and one in five Ukrainians is over the age of 60—a figure expected to rise to one in three by 2050, per UNFPA. The country also struggles with high mortality rates, high internal and external migration, poor health conditions, and high relative poverty.
21. Canada
Population Percentage (ages 65 and above): 20%
Total Population (in thousands):40,097
Canada is observing a dramatic rise in its senior population as those aged 65 and older are the fastest-growing demographic. As of 2023, approximately 7.6 million Canadians are in this age group, according to Environics Analytics, an analytics company owned by Bell Canada.
20. Estonia
Population Percentage (ages 65 and above): 21%
Total Population (in thousands): 1366
By 2085, there are estimates by Statistics Estonia that half of the population will be of working age in Estonia and the average age will increase to 48.6 years. Currently, there are 214 people in Estonia over the age of 100, but by 2085, this number is expected to exceed 2,000.
19. Slovenia
Population Percentage (ages 65 and above): 21%
Total Population (in thousands): 2120.94
According to the Employment Service of Slovenia (ESS) survey, in the second half of 2022, 56.8% of employers reported difficulties in finding suitable staff and one of the reasons for that was aging population in the country. The issue was particularly acute in large firms, where 81.4% experienced this problem. Slovenia was also one of the countries with the largest percentage of the population aged 65 and up in 2021.
18. Lithuania
Population Percentage (ages 65 and above): 21%
Total Population (in thousands): 2871
According to Eurostat, by 2070, Lithuania’s population is projected to shrink from 2.8 million to around 2 million, with approximately 716,000 people over 65 years old.
17. Denmark
Population Percentage (ages 65 and above): 21%
Total Population (in thousands): 5946
By 2040, the total population of Denmark is projected to reach 6.3 million, with nearly 25% of individuals aged 65 or older, per UNECE.
16. Hong Kong
Population Percentage (ages 65 and above): 21%
Total Population (in thousands): 7536
The proportion of elderly individuals aged 65 and over in Hong Kong, excluding foreign domestic helpers, is expected to rise from 20.5% in 2021 to 36% by 2046 according to Hong Kong’s government.
15. Czech Republic
Population Percentage (ages 65 and above): 21%
Total Population (in thousands): 10,873
With 21% of the population aged 65 and above, Czech Republic ranks 15 in our list of countries with the largest percentage of oldest populations in the world.
14. Netherlands
Population Percentage (ages 65 and above): 21%
Total Population (in thousands): 17,879
As of January 1, 2024, the Netherlands had 3,677,228 residents aged 65 and over, making up 20.5% of the population, as reported by CBS. In 1990, only 12.8% of the population in the Netherlands was 65 or older.
13. Spain
Population Percentage (ages 65 and above): 21%
Total Population (in thousands): 48,373
Spain is among the countries with the oldest populations globally. The country has undergone one of the most rapid demographic aging processes in the past decade and the median age has increased by 3.9 years, from 40.8 in 2012 to 44.7 in 2021. Currently, 21% of the Spanish population is elderly, and by 2050, one in three Spaniards will be 65 or older.
12. Latvia
Population Percentage (ages 65 and above): 22%
Total Population (in thousands): 1881.75
Latvia’s median age rose by 1.8 years from 2013 to 2023 and reached 44 years, according to the latest Eurostat data on population structure and ageing. Latvia is also one of the fastest-aging countries in the world.
11. Bulgaria
Population Percentage (ages 65 and above): 22%
Total Population (in thousands): 6430
With 22% of the population aged 65 and above, Bulgaria ranks 11th in our list of countries with the largest percentage of oldest populations in the world.
10. France
Population Percentage (ages 65 and above): 22%
Total Population (in thousands): 68,170
France is one of the top 10 countries with an ageing population as currently, 26% of the population is over 60, and this is projected to rise to nearly 33% by 2040. This demographic shift will lead to increased dependency, with an estimated 2.7 to 3.7 million people expected to require long-term care. The cost of such care is predicted to reach €31 billion by 2040.
9. Puerto Rico
Population Percentage (ages 65 and above): 23%
Total Population (in thousands): 3205
According to US census data, Puerto Rico is facing a major aging population crisis with nearly 741,000 people aged 65 or older.
8. Croatia
Population Percentage (ages 65 and above): 23%
Total Population (in thousands): 3853
Projections by OECD indicate that by 2050, nearly one-third of the population in Croatia will be aged 65 and over. Furthermore, with one of the highest poverty rates among older people in EU countries, at 30%, most seniors cannot afford long-term care without public assistance.
7. Greece
Population Percentage (ages 65 and above): 23%
Total Population (in thousands): 10,361
As of 2024, nearly 23% of Greece’s population is aged 65 or older. This also explains the severe ongoing labor shortages in the country.
6. Portugal
Population Percentage (ages 65 and above): 23%
Total Population (in thousands): 10,525
The aging population of Portugal comes with both challenges and opportunities. By 2040, half of the population will be over 50, with nearly one-third aged 65 and over. However, there is still an increase in employment rates among older adults, as 7 out of 10 people aged 50 to 64 are still working, and 20% of those aged 65 to 69 are either employed or seeking work.
5. Germany
Population Percentage (ages 65 and above): 23%
Total Population (in thousands): 84,482
With a high total population, Germany is one of the countries that have the highest population of the age 65 and older. According to the sustainability report by the German Finance Ministry, age-related expenditures in Germany could rise from 27.3% of GDP in 2022 to as much as 36.1% by 2070 under less favorable conditions. Even with more optimistic assumptions, this figure is projected to reach 30.8%.
4. Finland
Population Percentage (ages 65 and above): 24%
Total Population (in thousands): 5584.26
The proportion of the population aged 65 and older in Finland is expected to rise from (projected) 26% in 2030 to 29% by 2060. This aging population is also one of the causes for the labor shortages in the country.
3. Italy
Population Percentage (ages 65 and above): 24%
Total Population (in thousands): 58,761
With 24% of the population aged 65 and above, Italy ranks 3rd in our list of countries with the largest percentage of oldest populations in the world.
2. Japan
Population Percentage (ages 65 and above): 30%
Total Population (in thousands): 124,516.65
It is interesting to note that Tokyo Kanto Metropolitan Area in Japan is the city with the oldest population. With 8.7 million residents aged 65 and older, seniors constitute 23% of the city’s total population. You can read more about in in our article on 20 cities with the highest elderly populations.
1. Monaco
Population Percentage (ages 65 and above): 36%
Total Population (in thousands): 36.30
With 36% of its population aged 65 or above, Monaco is not only the country with the largest percentage of population aged 65 and up but also the country with the highest median age in the world. It is also the country with the highest life expectancy in the world, with women living an average of 93.5 years and men 85.6 years which leads to an overall average of 89.5 years. This longevity can be attributed to several key factors such as a Mediterranean diet, an active lifestyle, and a strong sense of community.
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Disclosure: None. 30 Countries With the Largest Percentage of Population Aged 65 and Up was originally published at Insider Monkey.
