Isabel Schmidt

Isabel Schmidt is the senior policy analyst and research manager at FP Analytics, the independent research and advisory group at Foreign Policy magazine. At FP Analytics, Isabel's work focuses on health and social policy as a tool to support economic growth and climate resilience. Her recent work includes research on women's health and access to family planning and menopause support, planning for the global demographic transition, and the impact of early intervention on noncommunicable diseases, including cancer. Isabel is based in the United Kingdom. 

Line chart titled “Aging Populations on the Rise Worldwide” showing the percentage of people age 60 and older in six WHO regions from 1950 to 2100. Solid lines represent 1950–2025 and dotted lines show projections (2025–2100). Europe has consistently had the highest proportion of older adults, rising from 11% in 1950 to 25% in 2025, and surpassing 35% by 2100. The Americas and Western Pacific have steady increases. Africa remains lowest, rising from 5% in 1950 to 10% in 2025—and reaching 20% by 2100.
Aging

Going Gray: National Aging Plans Gain Global Traction

by Peter Rundlet, Vijeth Iyengar, Sabine Henning, Lisa Warth, Isabel Schmidt

Expanding plans on aging create avenues for understanding the most effective policies while identifying future obstacles