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Visualizing Global Senior Populations (2025 vs 2050P)
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Key Takeaways
- Seniors are projected to make up 23% of the U.S. population by 2050, up from 18% today.
- Europe will see the largest senior share globally, climbing to 29%.
As global fertility rates continue to fall, the world’s population is aging faster than ever. What’s more, older adults represent a growing share of people in nearly every region, reshaping economies, labor markets, and healthcare systems.
This graphic shows how senior populations are expanding worldwide, based on projections from AXA.
Ranked: Senior Populations by Region
Below, we show select regions by their senior population forecasts:
| Region | Senior (65+) share of population 2025 | Senior (65+) share of population 2050P | Percentage point increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Africa | 4% | 6% | 2 p.p. |
| Asia | 10% | 19% | 9 p.p. |
| Americas (excluding U.S.) | 11% | 19% | 8 p.p. |
| U.S. | 18% | 23% | 5 p.p. |
| Europe | 21% | 29% | 8 p.p. |
Currently, 4% of Africa is aged 65 and older, rising to 6% by 2050.
With a median age of just 19 and a fertility rate of 4.1 births per woman, Africa’s population is expanding rapidly. As a result, it will have the largest working-age population globally in the decades ahead.
By contrast, Asia’s population is aging quickly. As we can see, about 10% of the region is 65 and older, with the share nearly doubling by 2050.
In China alone, the senior population grew from 7% in 2000 to 15% in 2024. By mid-century, it’s expected to reach 33%, marking one of the fastest demographic shifts overall.
The U.S. is also undergoing a major transformation. Notably, the number of Americans aged 65 and older will double—from 45 million today to 90 million by 2050. Not to mention, Medicare and Social Security make up 36% of federal spending today, illustrating its already significant load on the budget.
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