Page "Old age" Paragraph 27

The growing number of people living to their 80s and 90s in the developed world has strained public welfare systems and has also resulted in increased incidence of diseases like cancer and dementia that were rarely seen in premodern times.

When the United States Social Security program was created, persons older than 65 numbered only around 5 % of the population and the average life expectancy of a 65 year old in 1936 was approximately 5 years, while in 2011 it could often range from 10 – 20 years.

Other issues that can arise from an increasing population are growing demands for health care and an increase in demand for different types of services.