Rapidly and surely the world is getting older. In 2000, for the first time in history, there were more people over age 60 than children below age 5. The number and proportion of older persons is growing faster than any other age group, and will surpass 1 billion people in less the 10 years.

Ageing is now occurring fastest in the developing world, which has limited resources and plans to deal with this unprecedented demographic trend. The older generation — which includes caregivers, voters, teachers, volunteers, entrepreneurs, leaders, and more – represents a growing reservoir of talent and experience that can be tapped to reap a ‘longevity dividend’.

This new report calls for new approaches to dealing with healthcare, workforce and retirement issues, living arrangements and intergenerational relations. This will help countries to harness the potential benefits and minimize the disruption that ageing will bring.

Report Ageing in the Twenty-first Century: A Celebration and a Challenge is available here.

You can also nominate an inspiring older person for the 60 over 60 list.

Perceptions of the world’s ‘age burden’ are outdated. Older people can be athletes, statesmen, innovators, entrepreneurs, caregivers, activists. They can teach, inspire, influence, lead, innovate and create. As longevity increases and health improves, older people can contribute more to society than ever before. Click  here to read more.