The table illustrates information and predictions regarding the percentage of people aged 65 and over in Canada, Germany and the UK in 1988, 2000 and 2030.
Overall, the proportion of elderly people is expected to increase in all three countries over the period shown. Germany recorded the highest percentages throughout the period and is predicted to maintain this position in 2030, while the UK consistently had the lowest figures.
In 1988, 20% of Germany’s population was aged 65 or above, compared to 16% in Canada. By 2000, the figures for both countries had increased by 5 percentage points, reaching 25% and 21% respectively. This upward trend is expected to continue over the following three decades, with Germany and Canada projected to rise to 30% and 26% in 2030.
By contrast, the UK had a considerably smaller proportion of elderly people. The figure stood at 14% in 1988 before increasing only slightly to 15% in 2000. However, a more significant rise is predicted thereafter, with the percentage of people aged 65 and above expected to reach 20% by 2030. Despite this growth, the UK is forecast to remain the country with the lowest share of elderly residents among the three nations.