Sunday, September 6, 2026

Demographics in Reverse


According to the US Census Bureau's "An Aging World: 2025" report – released on August 31, 2026 – the global elderly population (65+) has officially surpassed children under five for the first time in human history. 

The elderly accounted for 10.5% of humanity in 2025, a shift driven by longer life expectancy and rapidly falling birth rates. This sustained fertility decline below replacement levels threatens to create a “fertility trap” as the number of potential parents shrinks over time. 

According to UN data, annual births have fallen to roughly 132 million worldwide, down from a peak of 142 million in the early 2010s. This historic demographic inversion is set to accelerate. 

By 2060, the 65+ demographic is projected to surge by 1.15 billion, making up 19.6% of the global population. 

This rapid aging will severely strain public budgets as fewer workers and taxpayers remain to support a booming number of retirees. 

In fact, the Census report estimates that across OECD countries, increased government healthcare spending over the next decade will devour 2.6% of GDP – twice the projected 1.3% growth in revenues. 

We are entering uncharted demographic territory. Navigating this shift is no longer a future problem – it is a current economic reality that requires us to completely rethink how we structure our societies, workplaces, and public budgets.



At the London Squash Classic 2026 semifinal yesterday, Amina Orfi secured a straight-games victory over Sivasangari Subramaniam 3-0: 11-8, 1l-9, 11-6 in 46 minutes. 

The Egyptian's ability to maintain her composure during critical rallies completely neutralized the Malaysian's attacking threats. It was a masterclass in tactical discipline, ensuring she closed out the high-stakes encounter without dropping a single game.

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