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WHO: Human life expectancy has increased by 22 years in the last 60 years
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Between 1950 and 2010, life expectancy at the global level increased from 46 to 68 years and is projected to reach 81 years by the end of this century. These figures were released at the first World Congress on Healthy Ageing, which opened today in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
This congress is held under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO) and is dedicated to how older people can stay healthy longer.
The forum participants discuss all aspects of healthy aging - prevention, treatment and the latest medical research. The agenda places special emphasis on encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle for older people.
Today, there are about 700 million people over 60 years old in the world.
By 2050, there will be about two billion people aged 60 and they will make up more than 20% of the world's population. In 2050, for the first time in human history, there will be more people over 60 in the world than children. These are the data contained in the report of the UN Secretary-General "Follow-up to the Second World Assembly on Ageing".
Experts note that such population aging can be considered a success of public health and socio-economic development policies. However, the new trend poses complex challenges for society related to adaptation to the demographic shift.