The report provides a description of global trends in population ageing  and includes key indicators of the ageing process for each of the major  areas, regions and countries of the world. Data are taken mainly from  the 2004 Revision of the official United Nations world population estimates  and projections. Other sources include different United Nations entities and the United States Social Security Administration.

Proceedings of the United Nations Expert Group Meeting on Social and Economic Implications of Changing Population Age Structures Mexico City, 31 August - 2 September 2005. The Meeting considered the consequences of the worldwide demographic  transition and the changing age structure of populations, including the  different types of potential demographic dividends, intergenerational transfers, the effects of ageing on the macro-economy, the viability of social security systems, and health. The proceedings of the Meeting include a report of the  deliberations and edited versions of the contributed papers.

Older and Poorer? How sharing among generations could improve well-being

TOWARD INCLUSIVE GROWTH

Around the world, the age of the entire population is changing. These changes will affect economic growth and equity across generations. In 190 countries, the fastest-growing age group is working-age adults (25-59 years old). In these countries, the proportion of children is declining because of low fertility, and the proportion of elderly people is still small. Thus, they are experiencing what is often called a "demographic dividend." This is a unique opportunity to improve standards of living and lower rates of poverty. With fewer mouths to feed, each working-age adult has a better opportunity to save, invest, and educate the young, building a strong foundation for sustained economic growth. This process is just beginning in Africa, where it will relieve the pressure created by very young populations. In many countries of Latin America, Asia, and most of the industrialized world, the age structure will be favourable for several more decades, but the future will be increasingly dominated by growing older populations.

by Jennifer Williams
HelpAge International, 2011

This survey by HelpAge International gives a glimpse into what life is like for older people across the globe today. It reveals what they think about ageing and what they would like to see their governments do to make life in older age better.

Of the estimated 40 million people living with HIV, the vast majority are adults in their prime working years, but as this middle generation dies of AIDS, a generation of young children and a generation of elderly ages 50 and older are left behind (UNAIDS and WHO 2006). The elderly not only lose the support of their adult children, but they must increasingly take on additional familial responsibilities— with potentially adverse effects for their own well-being. Despite extensive amounts of research on the AIDS epidemic,relatively few studies have focused on the elderly.