The increasing life expectancy enjoyed by individuals around the world is a remarkable sign of progress. According to UNFPA, there were nearly 727 million adults aged 65 and over worldwide in 2020; by 2050, the population of older adults is expected to reach 1.5 billion.
This dramatic demographic change comes with significant opportunities, as well as challenges. Chief among these is how to ensure equity, a decent standard of living, and continued social participation for older adults. The legal and policy framework surrounding equal rights and non-discrimination, income protection, and other areas is a critical concern.
The WORLD Policy Analysis Center has developed globally comparative, quantitatively analyzable data on several areas relevant to older adults.