Aging
The world crossed an important threshold in 2018, when the number of older people (over sixty-four years old) surpassed the number of young children (under the age of five) for the first time ever. This section explores shifting demographics worldwide and their social, economic, and health consequences.
Aging
In 2018
People over age 65 outnumbered people under age 5
People over age 65 outnumbered people under age 5
2039
Working age pop—25-64 yr—to peak in Latin America
Working age pop—25-64 yr—to peak in Latin America
62%
Population under age 25 in sub-Saharan Africa
Population under age 25 in sub-Saharan Africa
35%
Decrease in women aged 20-40 in China by 2050
Decrease in women aged 20-40 in China by 2050
Featured
Aging Gracefully in Taiwan
Mayor-physician Ko Wen-Je's quest to reshape Taipei for seniors
Aging and Displaced
The health and well-being of millions of older people around the world are threatened by violence and war
Memory Robber—Keeping Dementia From Stealing Our Future
Dementia cases may triple globally by 2050, here's how public health professionals can help
Growing Old in China in the Age of Abundance
A rapidly aging population has witnessed China's ascension to economic security, due in part to better health
The Problem of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Teens
One high school senior says the decision to vaccinate should rest with teenagers
Putting Vision Loss and Aging into Focus
Addressing high blood sugar can reduce vision loss in older adults
An Aging World Requires More Support for Health Systems
Development assistance should reflect this need
The Myth of South Asian Exceptionalism
South Asia's young population conceals the effects that COVID-19 has on its older and more vulnerable people
Coronavirus in Toronto—Lessons Lost on a Second SARS
The city's COVID-19 response is strongly informed by the experience of the earlier outbreak—but by no means exceptional
Mothers, Children, and the Terrible Choice Between COVID-19 and Other Infections
Decisive action is required now to protect the most vulnerable from HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria during the pandemic
High-Risk Populations for Severe COVID-19 Infections in the United States
About one quarter of the U.S. adult population could be considered high risk for severe COVID-19 infections
“Ordinary Love” and Extraordinary Compassion
New film starring Liam Neeson and Lesley Manville depicts the gloomy, gray uncertainty of modern breast cancer treatment
Lessons From an Aging Asia
How will demographic shifts affect workforce, health care, gender equality, disaster response, and societal well-being?
The Growing Cancer Threat in Africa
Cancer mortality is increasing in sub-Saharan Africa, where the needed health care infrastructure is still lacking