Elderly population in Europe is rising rapidly
According to a published report, the total population in European Union countries will begin to decline starting in 2029, and the proportion of the elderly population will rise in the coming years.
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The latest report on demographics in the European Union points to fundamental changes in the Union's age structure. The EU population, which was 354.5 million in 1960, will reach 450.6 million at the beginning of 2025, but will begin to decline after peaking at 453.3 million in 2029. According to projections, the EU population is expected to be approximately 445 million in 2050, and this figure is forecast to fall to 398.8 million by the year 2100. Thus, by 2100, a community 11.7 percent below current levels is expected.
It is noted that the natural growth rate is falling, while migration is balancing the population. It was stated that the difference between births and deaths has been negative since 2012, and that total population growth in recent years has been driven primarily by migration.
The median age in Europe has risen rapidly in recent years. While the median age is expected to be 44.9 in 2025, Ireland will be the country with the youngest population with a median age of 39.6, and Italy will be the oldest with a median age of 49.1. Experts emphasize that the aging trend will accelerate further in the coming years. Forecasts indicate that the median age will rise to 51.5 by 2100.
A striking increase is also projected in the Union's population aged 65 and over. This age group, which currently makes up about one-fifth of society, is expected to approach one-third of the total population by 2050. Furthermore, the proportion of people over 80 could exceed 15 percent by the year 2100.
Although there are 34 elderly people for every 100 working-age individuals in 2025, this figure will exceed 50 in 2050 and 60 in 2100. Experts state that this picture will create serious pressure on social security and healthcare systems in Europe.
Life expectancy also continues to increase. The average life expectancy at birth calculated for 2024 was measured at 81.5 years. Life expectancy, which is 84.1 years for women and 78.9 years for men on average, is projected to exceed 90 years for women and 86 years for men by 2100.