The world now has more people aged 65 and over than children under 5—but America is actually getting younger relative to the rest of the globe
PUBLISHED Sep 8, 2026, 7:32 AM ET
For the first time in recorded human history, the global population of adults aged sixty-five and older has surpassed children aged five and under. Demographic data covering the period between 2020 and 2025 indicates this top heavy age structure stems from declining fertility rates and increased life expectancy resulting from improved health services. The global share of older adults is projected to climb from 10.5 percent in 2025 to 19.6 percent by 2060. Meanwhile, the United States is aging steadily, with those sixty-five and older expected to rise from 18.9 percent to 23.4 percent by 2060. However, because international regions such as East Asia and Europe are aging at accelerated paces, the United States is projected to drop in global median age rankings from 48th in 2025 to 110th by 2060. Analysts note this demographic shift will severely strain public finances, healthcare networks, pension systems, and labor markets worldwide.
By Emily Rhodes | JQJO News
- Articles Published:
- 32
- Right Leaning:
- 3
- Left Leaning:
- 3
- Neutral:
- 26
- Distribution:
- Left 9%, Center 81%, Right 9%
Left: Emphasizes government responsibility for supporting aging populations through expanded social programs. Center: Reports statistical projections neutrally focusing on macroeconomic and fiscal policy impacts. Right: Focuses on fiscal conservatism, workforce productivity, and private pension sustainability challenges.
Global demographic datasets confirmed seniors surpassed young children on May 12 2025. https://www.un.org/development/desa/pd/news/global-demographic-milestone-2025
Coverage of Story:
From Left
A Graying Planet: Why Adults Over 65 Now Outnumber Young Children
New York Times Washington Post San Francisco ChronicleFrom Center
Global elderly population surpasses young children for first time
Reuters Bloomberg Wall Street Journal Financial Times NPR USA Today Axios Politico Time Forbes The Hill Chicago Tribune Houston Chronicle Miami Herald Seattle Times Dallas Morning News Detroit Free Press Minneapolis Star Tribune Arizona Republic Cleveland Plain Dealer St. Louis Post-Dispatch Sacramento Bee Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Orlando Sentinel Baltimore Sun Las Vegas Review-JournalFrom Right
The Economic Consequences of a Graying Planet and Shrinking Workforces
Wall Street Journal Opinion National Review Daily Mail
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