Worldwide Population Hits 'Tipping Point' Earlier Than Expected
Summary
For the first time in history, people aged 65 and older outnumber children aged 5 and under worldwide. This change happened earlier than experts expected due to lower birth rates and longer life spans, leading to new challenges for economies and societies globally.Key Facts
- In 2023, people aged 65+ surpassed children aged 5 and under worldwide.
- Falling birth rates and longer life expectancies caused this shift.
- Over 71% of the global population lived in countries with birth rates below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman in 2023.
- Major populations like China and India now have fertility rates below replacement level.
- The global population aged 65+ is expected to more than double by 2060, reaching nearly 2 billion.
- Older adults will make up almost 20% of humanity by 2060, up from about 10% today.
- This shift will impact workforces, healthcare, and pension systems due to fewer young workers supporting more elderly people.
- Asia and Africa will see the largest increases in their senior populations, while the U.S. senior population will rise from 18.9% in 2025 to 23.4% in 2060.
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