Age in numbers

The world is ageing fast. According to the Global AgeWatch Index, developed by non-governmental organisation HelpAge International, there will be more people over the age of 60 than children under 10 by 2030 …

The organisation believes data is needed to spur informed debate on ageing. The 2014 edition of the Global AgeWatch Index, ranks 96 countries according to the social and economic well-being of the elderly, measuring four key areas: income security, health, personal capability and an enabling environment.

HelpAge International states that the Index represents 90 percent of people over the age of 60 across the world.

Globally, Norway tops the Index this year, closely followed by Sweden. The top ten regions are in Western Europe, North America, Australasia and Japan. The worst place for an older person is Afghanistan. Ranked only just above it are Mozambique, West Bank and Gaza, then Malawi.

Closer to home, South Africa ranks low on the Index at 80 overall, but has the second-highest ranking in the region.

According to HelpAge International, there are currently 868 million people over the age of 60 – nearly 12 percent of the global population. By 2050, this number is predicted to rise 2,02 billion – or 21 percent.