Band 8+: You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words.The graph shows information from a 2010 report about the percentage of population over the age of 65 in four countries, India, China, Japan and the US since 1980 with projections until 2050.Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The line graph illustrates the proportion of people aged over 65 in India, China, Japan, and the United States from 1980 to 2010, with projections extending to 2050.

Overall, the percentage of the elderly population is expected to rise significantly in all four countries. The United States and Japan show the highest proportions, whereas India remains the lowest throughout the timeline.

In 1980, Japan had the largest share of elderly people at around 10%, closely followed by the US at about 9%, while China and India were much lower, with roughly 5% and 2% respectively. By 2010, the US overtook Japan, reaching nearly 15%, while Japan remained steady at around 13%. China showed gradual growth to nearly 8%, and India experienced only a slight rise to about 4%.

Looking ahead, the US is projected to experience the steepest growth, reaching about 36% by 2050. Japan will also see a rise, peaking at around 27%. China’s elderly population is expected to increase sharply after 2020, reaching nearly 24% in 2050. India, though rising gradually, will remain the lowest, at around 11% by mid-century.