The UK Has Less Older People Than Many Developed Countries

21st October 2025

The UK has about 18.3 % of its population aged 65+

The highest-share country is Japan with around 30.0 % aged 65+ in 2025.

Japan's share of 65+ is ~30 % versus the UK's ~18.3 % — so Japan has roughly 1.6 times the proportion of older people compared to the UK.

Many European countries cluster in the 20-25 % range, so they also have significantly older populations (as a share) than the UK.

These higher shares mean stronger demographic pressures: fewer younger people to support older cohorts, higher dependency ratios, and potentially greater strain on pensions, health and care systems.

The trend is global and increasing: e.g., by 2050 some countries are projected to have over 35-40 % of the population aged 65+.

Rank Country/Territory % aged 65+ (2025)
1 Monaco 36.8 %

2 Japan 30.0 %

3 Martinique 26.5 %

4 Puerto Rico 25.3 %

5 Italy 25.1 %

6 Portugal 24.9 %

7 Guadeloupe 24.6 %

8 Greece 24.4 %

9 Germany 23.7 %

10 Finland 21.9 %

United Kingdom: ~19.5 % of the population aged 65+ (2024 figure)
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So the UK's share of older people is lower than those top countries (many in the mid-20s or even 30+ %).

Countries with lowest proportions of people aged 65+ in 2025

Qatar: Only 1.7% of the population is aged 65+ in 2025.

Many of these are younger population countries with high fertility rates, lower life expectancy, and in some cases large working-age or migrant populations (especially in Gulf states).

For example, Qatar and the UAE have very low older-age shares because a large portion of the population is younger migrant workers.

In several African countries, the share of older people remains low due to historically higher mortality rates, younger age structures, and slower expansions of longevity.

However — having a relatively young population doesn't automatically mean there are no challenges: such countries may face different demographic issues (youth employment, education, health) rather than ageing burdens.

United Arab Emirates: 1.8% aged 65+ in 2025.

Zambia: Around 2.0% aged 65+ in 2025.

Chad: 2.1% aged 65+ in 2025.

Uganda: 2.2% aged 65+ in 2025.

Central African Republic: 2.2% aged 65+ in 2025.