More than 5 million Moroccans aged 60 and over in 2024, the aging of the population is accelerating

In 2024, the proportion of people aged 60 and over will reach 13.8% of the total population, or around 5 million people. This figure represents a significant increase compared to 3.2 million in 2014 (9.4%). The annual growth rate of seniors is estimated at 4.6%, significantly faster than that of the population as a whole, which amounts to 0.85%.

At the same time, the share of young people under 15 continues to decline, going from 28.2% in 2014 to 26.5% in 2024, reflecting a decline in the birth rate. The population of working age (15-59 years) still represents the majority, but its share is also decreasing, from 62.4% to 59.7%​.

Distribution by age group

• 60-69 years old: approximately 58.8% of seniors.
• 70-79 ans : 28,3%.
• 80 years and over: 12.9%​

This inverted age pyramid reflects a demographic transition marked by the decline in fertility, which reached 1.97 children per woman in 2024, compared to 2.2 in 2014.

Gender inequalities

Aging affects women more, due to their higher life expectancy. This situation accentuates the needs for appropriate health and social protection.

This demographic trend presents several challenges:

1. Health system : Aging requires an overhaul of health policies to meet the specific needs of seniors, particularly chronic illnesses and dependency.
2. Protection sociale : With an increase in retirees, the social security system must adapt to guarantee the sustainability of pensions.
3. Adapted equipment: The demand for social infrastructure, such as retirement homes and home care services, is becoming urgent.

This aging of the population, coupled with a decline in the birth rate and an increase in life expectancy, requires Morocco to rethink its public policies for better care of future generations and seniors.