Global life expectancy has increased from 48 to 74 years since 1960, while the fertility rate dropped from 4.7 to 2.2. The population aged 60 and older grew from 196 million in 1950 to 1.2 billion in 2025, with projections reaching 2.1 billion by 2050.
The silver economy, encompassing goods and services for those over 60, is valued at $4.5 trillion in 2026 and grows by approximately 7% annually. This growth rate is nearly double that of general consumer spending.
Consumer spending by the 60+ demographic is projected to reach $19 trillion in 2026 and $34 trillion by 2036, accounting for nearly one-third of total global consumer expenditure.
Europe accounts for 40–45% of the global silver economy, with an annual growth rate of 7.89%. Other regions with significant demographic shifts include Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.
The healthcare and care sector is valued at $1.3 trillion, while housing and household services represent $1.1 trillion. Companies are increasingly adapting products, such as interfaces and voice assistants, to meet the specific needs of older users.
