The chart below gives information about the ageing population worldwide in 2000 and makes predictions for 2050.

The graph shows how the size and distribution of the world’s ageing population is likely to change over a 50-year period.

Overall, the proportions around the world are predicted to rise significantly. In 2000, just under ten percent of the world’s population was over 60, but by 2050, this will more than double to approximately 22 percent.

A closer look at the data reveals the ageing population is expected to rise more in some parts of the world than in others. In 2000, Europe had the largest group of ageing citizens, at 20 percent of its population. The second-largest group could be found in North America and the third in Oceania, while only 5 percent of Africa’s population was in this category.

By 2050, Europe is still going to have by far the greatest percentage of over 60s, with figures likely to reach 35 percent. However, the biggest increases in this age group, relative to the rest of the population, are predicted to occur in Asia, Latin America and Africa. In Asia and Latin America, for example, figures will increase almost threefold to between 20 and 25 percent; in Africa, they will more than double.

Although Europe will maintain its lead in terms of its proportion of elderly citizens, the rate of increase in other parts of the world by 2050 will be much more significant.