Turkey's elderly population rate remains below European Union countries

Turkey had the lowest elderly population rate among European Union (EU) member countries in 2022, at 10.2 percent. According to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), compiled for the October 1 International Day of Older Persons, the total population of the EU exceeded 448.9 million as of last year.

In the EU, the elderly population, defined as those "65 years and older," exceeded 96.4 million last year. This rate highlights the issue of aging and demographic changes in Europe.

Germany, Italy, and France stand out as the countries with the largest elderly populations. Germany ranks first with 18.9 million elderly people, followed by Italy with 14.4 million and France with 14.2 million. These three countries account for approximately half of the total elderly population in the EU, totaling 47.5 million people.

Spain ranks fourth with an elderly population of 9.9 million, while Poland is in fifth place with 7.6 million. The elderly population in Turkey was recorded at 8.7 million.

1 in every 5 people in the EU is elderly. While the global elderly population rate reached 10 percent last year, this rate was determined to be 21.5 percent in the EU. These data show that one in every five people in Europe is "65 years or older."

Among the countries with the highest elderly population rates, Italy leads with 24.5 percent. Finland follows with 23.6 percent and Portugal with 23.3 percent. The elderly population rate was recorded at 23.1 percent in Greece, and 22.7 percent in both Croatia and Germany.

Among the countries with the lowest elderly population rates in the EU are Ireland (15.5 percent), Luxembourg (15.4 percent), and the Greek Cypriot Administration (15.2 percent).

Turkey's elderly population rate was calculated at 10.2 percent last year. Although this rate is above the global average, it remains below that of EU countries. This situation reveals an important demographic reality that should shape Turkey's future social and economic policies.

2023 Elderly Population Rates of EU Countries and Turkey

News Source: AA