Global Scans · Seniors · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Between 2000 and 2050, the proportion of the world's population aged over 60 will double from about 11 per cent to 22 per cent.

• [New] In China, where a decades-long policy limiting families to only one child produced one of the lowest fertility rates in the world, the IMF foresees that ageing will slow annual GDP growth by nearly two percentage points between 2024 and 2050, and boost pension spending by nearly 10% of GDP. The Guardian
• [New] Spending on old age entitlements will grow from 6% of GDP at the turn of the century to 12.7% in 2055, largely due to ageing. The Guardian
• [New] The homes people hope to age in are often unsuitable - with less than 5% of U.S. homes having basic accessibility features; and just 18% of older adults making modifications to support ageing in place. 115771908788438436647
• [New] Skilled Trades Partners expects growth within the skilled trades industry in 2026 due to increased infrastructure projects, an ageing workforce, and technological advancements. / USA CO- by U.S. Chamber of Commerce
• [New] Some companies could hit approved longevity therapies by 2027-2028. Publixly
• [New] Key Drivers: Factors Contributing to the Cardiologist Shortage An Ageing Population & Workforce: Growing Care Needs & Retirements By 2030, projections estimate that 1 in 5 Americans will be aged 65 or older, a demographic shift with significant implications for cardiovascular care. Medicus Healthcare Solutions
• [New] In a move that could reshape the future for millions of Australians, officials have hinted at plans to raise the age at which citizens can access their pensions. QT News
• [New] For many Americans, Social Security changes in April are easy to overlook, yet a cluster of deadlines and rule updates arriving this month could shape how retirees manage both their income and healthcare for the rest of the year. MARCA
• [New] By application, the mobility assistance for elderly or disabled users segment is expected to expand at the fastest CAGR of 29.1% between 2026 and 2035. Precedence Research
• [New] From 2028 onwards, there will be more people over the age of 64 than under the age of 15, at which point the ageing index will exceed 100. Default
• The Member States of WHO South-East Asia Region today adopted Colombo Declaration on 'Healthy ageing through strengthened primary health care', aimed at health and well-being of its ageing population, expected to double by 2050. The Official Government News Portal of Sri Lanka
• In 2026, seniors can expect to have access to a range of government-funded programs and services, such as Medicare, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, and the aged care system. / Australia QT News
• As of 2026, the eligibility age for the Age Pension is expected to be 67 years old, with a minimum of 10 years of Australian residence. QT News
• In 2026, the base rate for the Age Pension is expected to be around $925 per fortnight for a single person and $1,395 per fortnight for a couple. / Australia QT News
• In the United Kingdom, the Mansion House Reforms aim to direct pension capital into private investments, with the Mansion House Accord targeting £50 billion in defined contribution pension investment in private assets by 2030. Augment Market
• By 2050, there will be 52 people aged 65 and over for every 100 working-age adults, increasing pressure on pension systems worldwide. CNBC
• Norges Bank Investment Management, which manages the Norwegian Government Pension Fund (the world's largest sovereign wealth fund), seeks to ensure all companies in its portfolio commit to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 or earlier. Reccessary
• The exodus of Medicare Advantage plans from rural communities highlights the risks for seniors who rely on the privatized plans, which are under no obligation to offer coverage year-over-year. National Today

Last updated: 22 April 2026