The line graph compares the percentage of people aged 65 and over in the USA, Sweden, and Japan over a 100-year period from 1940 to 2040.
Overall, all three countries show an upward trend in the proportion of elderly people, although at different rates. While the USA and Sweden follow a relatively steady rise with minor fluctuations, Japan begins at the lowest level but is projected to experience the most dramatic growth, overtaking the other two countries by 2040.
In 1940, the USA had the highest proportion of people aged 65 and above, at just under 10%, followed by Sweden at around 7%, and Japan at approximately 5%. The figure for the USA increased gradually to 15% by 1980 before declining slightly to about 14% in 2020. It is then expected to rise significantly, reaching 23% by 2040.
Similarly, Sweden experienced a steady climb, reaching almost 15% by 1980. After a small dip around 1990, the percentage surged to 20% in 2010, overtaking the USA. It is projected to continue rising and finish at about 25% by 2040.
Japan, by contrast, showed a slight fall between 1940 and 1980, remaining below 5% for much of this period. However, it began to rise sharply after 2000, reaching 10% by 2030. A dramatic increase is forecast for the following decade, with Japan expected to top the chart at roughly 27% by 2040.