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
127%
By 2050, New Zealand expects a 127 percent increase in the number of people with dementia
65.2 Years
In the AIAN population, life expectancy dropped from 67.1 years in 2020 to 65.2 years in 2021
77 Percent
77 percent of all vision loss occurs among people aged 50 and older
62%
Population under age 25 in sub-Saharan Africa
Featured
The Cost of Inaction
Governments worldwide should step up against Alzheimer’s
Long COVID May Catalyze New Treatments for Chronic Pain and Fatigue
Medical breakthroughs for long COVID could benefit millions
The Quest for Social Connection and Well-Being
Scientists have been slow at developing strategies that measure and promote well-being within communities
A Longer Life Begins in the Classroom
A new study measures how much extra life comes from being educated
Global Life Expectancy Declines for First Time in 30 Years
Overall life expectancy is struggling, according to a highly anticipated update to the Global Burden of Disease study
Unsung Heroes: How Elder Care Leans on Singapore’s Women
Addressing the disproportionate effect of aging societies on women
Rethinking HIV in an Aging Society
Central to supporting elderly communities is providing people living with HIV better integrated primary care
Eight Billion and Counting
The world's population is on the verge of hitting eight billion people, and advances in health are behind the increase
The Disturbing Details Behind a Dip in U.S. Life Expectancy
A deep drop among American Indian and Alaska Native peoples is linked to policy failures that predate the pandemic
The Curious Case of Japan's Alcohol Contest
Japan's young people are turning away from alcohol, but its tax agency wants to reverse the trend
The World's Oldest Communities
A look at Blue Zones, spots where people live well into their 90s
The Rising Price of Dementia
As the number of people with dementia grows, families need access to affordable care