The 2024 Housing and Housing Values Report has revealed that there has been a significant increase in the number of elderly people in Sri Lanka’s population. 18 percent of the country’s total population is 60 years and above. Through this it is clear that Sri Lanka is gradually becoming a society with a large elderly population.
Published by the Sri Lanka Department of Valuation and Statistics, this report explains the country’s age-based population changes. While in the past the number of youth and children was higher, now the share of the elderly is rising rapidly.
During the 2012 census, people aged 60 years and above constituted 12.4 percent of the country’s total population. However, as per the 2024 census, this ratio has risen to 18 percent. That is, the share of the elderly population increased by 5.6 percentage points within 12 years.
Compared to earlier surveys, this change in recent times is noticeable. In 1946, only 5.5 percent of the country’s population was 60 years and older. In 1981, this ratio had risen to 6.6 percent. But, since then, the growth rate of the elderly population has increased.
Elderly population increased in 12 years
According to the 2024 census data, 18 out of every 100 people in Sri Lanka are 60 years of age or older. This change cannot simply be considered a statistic. It is directly related to the country’s health services, social security schemes, family systems and future economic planning.
There can be many reasons for the increase in the elderly population. Advances in medical facilities, opportunities to diagnose and treat diseases, and changes in the quality of life have helped increase human life expectancy. At the same time, declining birth rate is also changing the age structure of the country.
According to the 2024 report, Sri Lanka’s children between the ages of 0 and 14 constitute 20.7 percent of the total population. Also, the median age, representing the country’s median age, has risen to 35. This is an increase of about five years compared to 2012.
These data show that the population structure of Sri Lanka is gradually changing. On the one hand, the number of elderly people is increasing. On the other hand, the share of children decreases. This may require the government to pay more attention to future working-age population, pension needs and health care costs.
As the aging population grows, so does the importance of medical facilities, long-term care, home health services, and social support. In particular, it is important to consider the challenges faced by elderly people living alone and those with little family support.
Social security and future planning for the elderly is essential
The main point that these statistics convey about the growing elderly population is that the country’s policies need to be adapted to meet the needs of the elderly. As population changes continue to occur, planning for them is an important responsibility for government and society.
Ensure proper medical check-ups, access to medicines, adequate pension and safe housing for the elderly. Social welfare programs should also be strengthened to ensure that the elderly living in low-income households do not suffer from economic hardship.
Similarly, programs to assist family members caring for the elderly are also important. In an environment where young people in families go abroad for employment, some elderly people may face a situation where they have to live alone. Therefore, it would be useful to identify their needs and provide assistance through social services and local administrative bodies.
Another important point emerging from these statistics is that the increase in the elderly population should not only be seen as a burden, but should also create opportunities to use their experience and knowledge for the development of society. Family, community organizations and government agencies can work together to improve the quality of life of older people.
These age changes are also important for Sri Lanka’s future economic development. Improving the productivity of the working-age population, creating jobs for the youth and ensuring financial security for the elderly are interrelated.
Overall, the elderly population data published in the 2024 Housing and Housing Valuation Report reveal an important shift in Sri Lanka’s social structure. 18 percent of the country’s population is over 60 years of age, indicating the need for long-term planning for health, economic security and social care for the elderly.
By anticipating this change and taking appropriate measures, we can create an environment for the elderly to live a dignified life and create a sustainable social security system for future generations.