The number of people across the world over 65 years old will triple by 2050, drastically altering some countries' demographic make-up, according to a new report by the Pew Research Center.
BBC's David Botti takes a look at the numbers in this Face Facts report.
Self-study activity:
Watch the video clip and say what the numbers below refer to.
The activity is suitable for intermediate 1 and intermediate 2 students.
21
87%
26%
77%
51%
82%
population of Nigeria by 2050
You can check your answers by reading the transcript below.
The world is getting older. How much older? By 2050 the number of people over 65 will triple. A new aging attitude survey of 21 countries by the Pew Research Centre found that Japan is the most worried about aging. 87% of people think it is a problem, that’s in contrast to the US where only 26% of people are concerned. The survey found that the older the population is predicted to be, the more they are worried about aging..
Countries also have different takes on who should care for the old. Only a few have a big chunk of people who think seniors should care for themselves. Overall most people think the government should be responsible. But also look at a place like Pakistan, where 77% of folks think it’s up to families.
All this aging can hurt economies. Spain is a good example. In the future there will be more younger and older relying on those of working age.
The US, however, make have an advantage here. It’s population is growing slower and getting older, but it’s still projected to be younger than major trading partners in Europe and Asia. That’s because America has the most immigrants of any country. They are bringing higher fertility rates, even as US born women are having less babies. Between 1960 and 2005 immigrants and their descendants have accounted for 51% of US population growth. Now between 2005 and 2050 they’ll account for 82% of that growth.
Pew says countries with the biggest chances of economic boost may be those with the youngest populations. Among these Nigeria is well placed. By 2050 it’s projected to have a bigger population than the United States.
David Botti, BBC News, Washington.
