The share of elderly in the European Union has increased: in 2024, there are fewer than three working people per retiree

Eurostat, on the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons, published data on the rising share of people aged 65 and over relative to the working-age population in the European Union and Cyprus.

The old-age dependency ratio in the EU increased by 10.2 percentage points over 20 years: from 26.8% in 2004 to 37% on 1 January 2024. This means that in 2004, almost four working-age people were responsible for one citizen aged 65+, whereas in 2024 there are fewer than three.

In Cyprus, the ratio is 28.6%, gradually increasing since 2019 (25.8%). By region, the lowest values are recorded in Mayotte (6.1%) and Guyana (13.8%), as well as in the suburb of Bien in Copenhagen (17.8%). The highest regional value is observed in the Belgian coastal district of Verne (72.8%).

Eurostat notes that the rising ratio increases the burden on the working population and leads to higher expenditures on pensions, healthcare, and social services. Possible measures include raising the retirement age, encouraging higher birth rates, and attracting foreign professionals and migrants.

For residents of Cyprus, this means a currently more favorable demographic burden compared to the EU average, but with a clear upward trend, requiring early planning in labor and social benefits policies.