In addition to this data, a rapid ageing of the population is under way.
In 2009 there were more than 730 million people over age 60, equivalent to 10% of the population, an increase of more than 20% since 2000. By the year 2050 the number of persons over age 60 will increase to account for 20% of the world population, with one-fifth of this group being over 80 years old.