Population Ageing

Life expectancy at the beginning of the 20th century was around 58 years. By 2000 it was 78 years for males and 83 years for females. It is projected that by 2050 the average life expectancy will have climbed to over 85.

The ageing of the population is a global megatrend that will shape the global economy and global society for decades to come.

“We are witnessing an unprecedented fundamental shift in the global demographic structure.” Boston Consulting Group

Number of people 60+

2000 = 650 million
2025 = 1.2 billion
2050 = 2 billion

Percentage of population 60+

1950 = 8%
2011 = 11%
2050 = 22%

Percentage of population 80+

1950 = 0.6%
2011 = 1.6%
2050 = 4%

New Zealand’s Ageing Population

Population aged 65+

Total Population Aged 65+

2012 

2036 

2061

600,000

1.2 million

1.5 million

Proportion of Population 65+

2012
14%
2036
23%
2061
26%

In 2015 only two cities and districts had a population profile where 1 in 4 of the population was aged 65+.

By 2033 this will increase to 48 cities and districts where 1 in 4 of the population is aged 65+.

Australia’s Ageing Population

Population aged 65+

Total Population Aged 65+

2012 

2036 

2061

3 million

5.6 million

6.9 million

Proportion of Population 65+

2012
14%
2036
19%
2061
22%
Number turning 65 per week
2000 = 2000 p.wk
2012 = 4900 p.wk
2021 = 5500 p.wk
2027 = 6000 p.wk