The world is witnessing an unprecedented demographic shift as the elderly population grows at an accelerated pace. With longer life expectancies and declining birth rates, individuals aged 65 and above are becoming a significant proportion of societies worldwide. This transformation presents profound challenges and necessitates an urgent global response to strengthen social security systems for the aged.
In recognition of this pressing issue, on October 4, China delivered a joint statement on behalf of approximately 80 countries at the 54th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. The statement underscored the critical need for enhanced social security for the elderly, emphasizing that “the right to social security is of central importance in guaranteeing human dignity for all persons when they are faced with circumstances that deprive them of their capacity to fully realize their human rights.”
The right to social security and a decent standard of living in old age is enshrined in major international human rights declarations, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (1966). Ensuring financial security for the elderly is a cornerstone of the United Nations’ goal for universal social protection.
For decades, concerns about a “population bomb” dominated global discourse. However, the current demographic challenge is not rapid population growth but population aging—a phenomenon gerontologists refer to as the “age quake.” This shift began in the early 21st century and is reshaping the social and economic landscapes of nations.
As of 2022, there were 771 million individuals aged 65 or older worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 percent of the global population. The United Nations considers a population to be aging when individuals aged 60 and above constitute at least 10 percent of the total population. The World Population Prospects Report 2022 predicts that by 2050, the percentage of people aged 65 and above will rise to 16 percent. This means the number of elderly individuals will double that of children under five and equal the number of children under 12.
Asia and the Pacific region face particularly acute challenges. According to the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, around 670 million people aged 60 and above resided in the region in 2022—approximately one in every seven people. By 2050, this figure is expected to double to 1.3 billion, with elderly women comprising 54 percent of the aged population.
The real concern lies in the uneven geographical distribution of the aging population. High-income countries have long dealt with larger proportions of older adults, but many low and middle-income countries in South Asia and Africa still have relatively young populations. This disparity means that while some nations are equipped with more developed social security systems, others may struggle to support their aging citizens.
A robust, inclusive, and universally responsive social security system is essential for ensuring the well-being and dignity of senior citizens. Such systems not only support the elderly but also contribute to societal stability and promote intergenerational equity. As populations age, the demand for healthcare services, sustainable pensions, and social inclusion initiatives will continue to grow.
Global collaboration and coordinated efforts are crucial in addressing these challenges. The joint statement delivered by China at the United Nations reflects a shared commitment among nations to enhance social security for the aged. Strengthening these systems worldwide will require policy innovation, investment, and a reimagining of how societies care for their elderly populations.
Reference(s):
Global urgency in enhancing social security systems for aged people
cgtn.com
