The World is Ageing: 10 Countries with the Largest Elderly Populations, Is Indonesia Among Them?

The world is growing older, and in some countries, the elderly already account for more than a quarter of the population. Data cited from visualcapitalist.com shows the countries with the highest percentage of residents aged 65 and over. Monaco has more than a third of its population aged 65 and above. Japan follows with nearly 30%, whilst Southern and Eastern Europe account for most of the top 15 countries. This ranking demonstrates how population ageing has been concentrated in developed countries with low fertility rates and high life expectancy for decades. Countries such as Italy, Portugal, Greece, and Germany now have more than a fifth of their population aged 65 and over, making Europe the world’s oldest region by this measure. Outside Europe, smaller territories and economies including Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Hong Kong, and San Marino also rank at the top. As the population ages, the balance between workers and pensioners shifts. A smaller working-age population can slow economic growth whilst increasing demand for pensions, healthcare, and long-term care. This demographic change has already reshaped labour markets in many countries, pushing employers to retain older workers, automate routine tasks, and find new ways to address labour shortages. Although the world is ageing, Indonesia is still able to maintain a productive-age population. Based on the ranking, Indonesia is in 120th place with an elderly population percentage of 7.29%.