Elderly population in South Africa

This indicator measures the share of the population aged 65 years and over within the resident population.
As a definitive gauge of population aging, it tracks the structural transition of a society toward an older demographic profile. This shift carries profound implications for the long-term vitality of labor markets, as a growing elderly share often corresponds with a shrinking pool of working-age individuals, potentially necessitating gains in labor productivity to maintain economic growth. Beyond the workforce, this metric serves as a signal for the fiscal sustainability of pension systems and social security frameworks, which must adapt to a higher ratio of retirees to active contributors. Furthermore, it highlights an evolving landscape for healthcare demand, shifting the focus of public and private investment toward geriatric services, long-term care infrastructure, and the specialized medical needs of an aging society.