The Elderly Population Predominantly from the Poorest Economic Group in 2021

The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reported that there were 29.3 million elderly people (elderly) in Indonesia in 2021. This figure is equivalent to 10.82% of Indonesia's total population.

Based on economic status, the majority, or 43.29%, of the elderly population comes from households in the lowest 40% of the expenditure group. Furthermore, a significant portion, 37.4%, are also in the middle 40% of household expenditure groups.

Only 19.31% are in the top 20%. The large number of elderly people in low economic conditions requires attention because the elderly are not of a productive working age.

Moreover, with the increasing elderly dependency ratio, there is a burden on the productive-age population to finance the lives of the elderly. In addition, the government needs to strive to provide access to healthcare services because the elderly are vulnerable to illness.

Therefore, efforts are needed to reduce the elderly's dependence on the productive-age group. This aims to ensure that the elderly live healthy, independent, and active lives, thereby boosting economic growth while they are still working.