For the first time, there are more elderly people in the world than children under the age of six

For the first time, there are more elderly people in the world than children under the age of six. This demographic shift was recorded in a new report by the US Census Bureau.

According to the report, in 2025 there were about 852 million people over the age of 65 in the world, accounting for 10.5% of the global population. Experts predict that by 2060, the number of elderly people could nearly reach 2 billion, and their share of the world's population will rise to 19.6%.

Experts point to declining fertility rates and increasing life expectancy as the main reasons for the aging population. In 2023, more than 71% of the world's population lived in countries where fertility was at or below the replacement level.

The aging of the population affects more than just developed nations. China and India—the world's most populous countries—already have fertility rates below the replacement level.

A particularly noticeable increase in the number of elderly people is expected in Asia. Their number in the region could increase from 487 million in 2025 to 1.24 billion in 2060. In Africa, the number of people over 65 will increase approximately fourfold, from 60 million to 249 million. For comparison, about 214 million elderly people are expected in Europe by 2060.

At the same time, the share of young children will decline. According to Axios calculations, by 2060, people over 65 will make up nearly 20% of the world's population, while children under six will account for about 7%.

This change in the age structure of the population will place additional strain on healthcare, pension, and long-term care systems. At the same time, increased life expectancy could become an economic resource: older people will be able to remain in the labor market longer, volunteer, and help care for family members.