Population of Older Adults Increasing Globally Partly Because of Declining Fertility Rates, Says PRB

The Population Reference Bureau's (PRB) 2020 World Population Data Sheet estimates that older adults 65 and older currently make up 9 percent of the world population partly due to declining fertility rates, reports PR Newswire . Total fertility rates in 91 nations — accounting for approximately 45 percent of the global population — are below replacement level, while in 21 countries and territories, including several battered by COVID-19, people 65 and older constitute at least 20 percent of the populace. This trend is most concentrated in Europe and East Asia, while many countries in sub-Saharan Africa and some in Asia continue to experience rapid population expansion and high fertility rates. "Population changes such as aging and rapid urbanization are important factors for countries to consider as they plan for future disease outbreaks, long-term healthcare needs, and other developments," said PRB CEO Jeff Jordan. "PRB's World Population Data Sheet provides objective data and analysis policymakers need to make these decisions."