Taiwan enters super-aged society as elderly population surpasses 20 percent

Friday 09 January 2026 - 16:00

By: Sahili Aya

Taiwan enters super-aged society as elderly population surpasses 20 percent

Taiwan has officially reached the status of a super-aged society, as people aged 65 and above now account for more than one-fifth of the island’s population. Recent demographic data indicate that this age group represents slightly over 20 percent of the total population by the end of 2025.

The island’s population was estimated at around 23.3 million, including approximately 4.7 million seniors. At the same time, Taiwan continues to experience a population decline, marking the second consecutive year in which the total number of residents has fallen.

One of the main drivers of this demographic shift is the persistent drop in births. The number of newborns has decreased for nearly a decade, reflecting broader social changes such as delayed marriage, lower fertility rates, and rising living costs.

According to the World Health Organization, societies are classified as “aging” when people aged 65 and over make up at least 7 percent of the population, “aged” at 14 percent, and “super-aged” once the share reaches 20 percent. Taiwan crossed these thresholds gradually, becoming an aging society in the early 1990s and an aged society in 2018.

The transition to a super-aged society presents significant challenges for healthcare systems, labor markets, and social welfare policies, prompting authorities to reassess long-term strategies for sustainable development.