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A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE ON AGEING
Each year the Earth’s population increases by 78 million, with ninety-seven percent of this growth happening within the world’s developing countries. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has projected that in late 1999, the combined global population will reach a milestone aggregate of 6 billion human beings.
Important to this year’s theme Mental Health and Ageing, are the societal shifts which have been predicted for the 21st century by international demographic experts. The following information is compiled from the article, 1999: Year of Older Persons, Year of 6 Billion which appeared in POPULI, The UNFPA Magazine, Dec. 1998/Jan. 1999:
- The ageing of the world’s population is a global phenomenon having extensive economic, social and political consequences. One out of every 10 persons is now 60 years or older. By the year 2050, one out of every five will be 60 years or older.
- The older population is becoming increasingly urban. By the year 2000, a majority of the world’s older population — 51 per cent, will live in urban areas.
- This older population itself is ageing. Currently, persons 80 years and older represent 11 per cent of the population aged 60 and above. By 2050, those over 80 will represent 27 percent of this older population.
- The majority of older persons — 55 per cent, are women. This higher ratio of women to men rises to 65 per cent among those who are 80 years or older.
- There were about 8 million “oldest old” over the age of 80 in 1990. This figure is projected to quickly climb to about 25 million in 2010, 60 million in 2030, and 160 million in 2050.
- Striking differences exist between regions. One out of every five Europeans, but only one out of 20 Africans is 60 years or older.
- It is estimated that ageing will speed up in China due to a lower birthrate since 1970. Those aged 65 and above, will account for 23 to 27 per cent of the total population by the middle of the next century.
- In European societies, the ageing transition has been spread over two centuries, while in China, the changes will take place within a few decades.
- The tempo of ageing is expected to be more rapid in developing nations. Because of this, developing States will have less time than their developed counterparts to adapt to the consequences of population ageing.