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
57 Million
In 2019, there were more than 57 million people living with dementia globally—roughly the population of Italy
People living with dementia globally
127%
By 2050, New Zealand expects a 127 percent increase in the number of people with dementia
New Zealand's dementia growth by 2050
77 Percent
77 percent of all vision loss occurs among people aged 50 and older
Aging and vision loss
62%
Population under age 25 in sub-Saharan Africa
Population under age 25 in sub-Saharan Africa
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
Featured
The Rising Price of Dementia
As the number of people with dementia grows, families need access to affordable care
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
The World's Oldest Communities
A look at Blue Zones, spots where people live well into their 90s
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