Turkey faces a new demographic challenge.

Population aging: the average age of the Turkish population reached 34.4 years in 2024

According to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), the average age of the Turkish population in 2024 reached 34.4 years, and it is expected to exceed 35 years by 2026. By the way, in 2015 this figure was 31 years. Such demographic changes indicate an acceleration in the aging process of the population. This is reported by Anadolu Ajansı.

In Turkey, the number of people aged 65 and older, considered elderly, was about 9 million last year, increasing by more than 20% over the past five years. If in 2018 the ratio of the elderly population to the total population was 8.8%, then in 2024 it increased to 11%. In 2024, about 45% of the elderly population were men, and over 55% were women. According to demographic forecasts, the share of the elderly population will be 12.9% in 2030, 16.3% in 2040, 22.6% in 2060, and 25.6% in 2080.

In the provinces of Sinop, Giresun, and Kastamonu, the average age has already reached 43 years. While in the short term, the number of working-age people continues to grow, in the long term, a decline is expected, which will evidently impact the country's economy.

Average age of the population in Turkey

Professor Mehmet Ali Eryurt from the Institute of Demographic Studies at Hacettepe University claims that the average age is one of the most important demographic indicators that defines the 'age' of the country.

Eryurt notes that the average age among women has already exceeded 35 years, while among men it stands at 33.7 years.

Increase in the average age of the population

According to experts' forecasts, by 2050 the average age of the Turkish population could rise to 45 years. This demographic shift is directly related to the decline in birth rates and the increase in life expectancy.

By the way, retirees in Turkey rank last in the world in terms of income. Only India surpasses them in terms of quality of life.