Between 2006 and 2050, the number of persons aged 60 and over will triple from 650 million, or 11% of the world’s population, to 2 billion people, or 22%. By then, older persons will begin to outnumber children aged 14 and under. Just over 80% of the world’s older persons will be living in developing countries, compared to 60% today. In developed countries, the proportion of older persons will rise to about one person in three by mid-century. Globally, the “oldest-old” (80 and above) constitute the fastest growing age segment of the older population.
Recent events have brought to light the disproportionate impact of natural disasters and crises on older persons:
- 80% of the “extremely vulnerable individuals” remaining in camps in northern Uganda’s Lira District in 2007 were over 60 years.
- 71% of those who died in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 were 60 years and older.
Older persons play key roles in their families and communities. These roles continue, and may even become more important, in emergency situations:
- UNICEF data show that 40 to 60% of orphaned children in countries severely affected by HIV/AIDS are cared for by their grandparents.
- During and after the 2007 Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh, older persons’ committees took an active role, disseminating early warning messages to vulnerable older persons and their families, identifying those who were worst hit, compiling beneficiary lists and notifying people when and where to receive relief goods.
Older persons are entitled to equal protection under international human rights and humanitarian law. Building awareness about the rights and needs of older persons is the first step to reducing their marginalization during and after crises and enabling them to continue supporting themselves and others.
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