Global aging surge transforms societies as centenarians multiply sevenfold

Living into old age is becoming far more common than ever before. Advances in healthcare and living standards mean that, for those born today, reaching an advanced age is no longer rare. This shift is transforming societies worldwide, from family structures to entire industries. The number of people aged 60 and over is set to triple in the next 25 years, rising to 2 billion globally. Even more striking, the number of centenarians will grow sevenfold in the same period. In Switzerland alone, the count jumped from around 1,730 in 2020 to nearly 2,200 in 2024, showing how quickly life expectancy is climbing.

This rapid aging is reshaping daily life. Housing, transport, fashion, and even politics must now adapt to an older population. Yet despite its growing impact, psychologists and sociologists have only recently begun studying aging in depth. In response to these changes, some policymakers are rethinking elderly care. Senator Anatoly Artamonov recently proposed moving older adults from care homes into family-based support. He argued that this approach would be both cheaper and more comfortable for individuals.

The rise in life expectancy is altering societies at an unprecedented pace. With more people living past 100, governments and businesses face new challenges in meeting their needs. As the trend continues, the way communities care for and integrate older generations will likely keep evolving.