In this piece, we will take a look at five countries with the oldest people in the world. If you want to take a deeper look at how demographic changes might threaten the global economy, check out 30 Countries with the Oldest People in the World.
5. Russian Federation
Number of People Aged 60 or Above: 32.7 million
Russia, like other European nations, ranks lower when comes to younger people but high when it comes to older people. When it comes to young people, there are 39 million Russians aged 24 or lower. This is only slightly lower than the number of people aged 60 or above – posing a near term demographic problem for the country. Russia is facing quite a bit of turmoil these days, as its economy continues to absorb the shocks due to its invasion of Ukraine which has led to Western sanctions against the country. These days though, there are talks of some Russian firms being allowed back into the global SWIFT network to ease tightness in the commodities market.
4. Japan
Number of People Aged 60 or Above: 44 million
If you read the introduction to this piece in the first part, you’d have understood by now that Japan is literally the poster child when it comes to an aging population. And statistics back this fact as well. The number of Japanese aged 60 or above sits at 44 million – representing 35% of its population. On the other hand, the number of Japanese aged 24 or below sits at a worrying 26 million – for quite a sizeable differential for the world’s third largest economy.
3. United States of America
Number of People Aged 60 or Above: 77.5 million
Just like Japan and Russia, America also ranks higher on the list of countries ranked by older people when compared to its ranking on the one for younger people. There are 105 million Americans aged 24 or lower, while 77.5 million are aged 60 or above. Cumulatively, this leaves a little over one third of Americans that are actually of peak earning power – a fact that underscores just how much the U.S. might be missing out on economic output if more of its citizens were in the ‘prime’ age range. Despite this though, America is still the world’s largest economy and the only superpower.
2. Republic of India
Number of People Aged 60 or Above: 145.8 million
India is the most populous country in the world. Its latest population estimate pegs the figure at 1.4 billion – indicating that roughly one tenth of the country’s residents are either 60 or above. Compare this to the fact that 616 million Indians are 24 or younger, and you’ll see why most analysts love gushing about how India is really the next economic superpower. The Indian education system is also quite good and has educated some of the best executives in the world.
1. People’s Republic of China
Number of People Aged 60 or Above: 257.7 million
China is the second most populous country in the world, which also ranks second on the list of those with the greatest number of citizens aged 24 or below. However, it ranks first place on this list, and it has 412 million citizens aged 24 or below. However, Chinese youth is quite troubled these days, as it is unable to find adequate jobs to settle down.
Disclosure: None. You can also take a look at 15 Best Beach Towns for Retirement and 20 Worst States to Retire in for Taxes and Cost of Living.
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