Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The number of people aged 65 and above in Uzbekistan could increase nearly 2.6-fold, from 2.4 million at the beginning of 2026 to 6.1 million by 2050. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has presented these projections in connection with the International Day of Older Persons.
According to UNFPA, life expectancy in Uzbekistan continues to increase. Life expectancy at birth rose from 73 years in 2010 to 75.4 years in 2025. Average life expectancy reached 77.3 years for women and 72.9 years for men.
Although Uzbekistan remains a relatively young country, the number and share of older people are gradually increasing. As of 1 January 2026, the country had almost 2.4 million people aged 65 and above.
According to UNFPA projections, their number could increase to around 3.1 million by 2030, 4.4 million by 2040 and 6.1 million by 2050.
At the same time, the share of this age group in the total population will increase. In 2025, people aged 65 and above accounted for around 6.2% of Uzbekistan’s population. The figure is expected to reach 7.4% by 2030, 9.5% by 2040 and 12% by 2050.
Thus, by the middle of the century, approximately one in eight people in Uzbekistan could be aged 65 or above.
UNFPA notes that increasing life expectancy is an important achievement, but demographic changes require healthcare, social protection, education, employment and housing systems to adapt.
At the same time, older people are viewed not only as recipients of social assistance but also as active participants in society. They help raise grandchildren, support their families, pass on professional and life experience, and participate in the life of mahallas, workplaces and local communities.
The organization emphasizes that preparing for longer lives should begin well before people reach the age of 65. Health, education, working conditions, financial security and social connections throughout life influence how a person ages.
According to UNFPA, healthcare systems need to place greater emphasis on maintaining people’s health, functional abilities and independence. Social protection should provide not only support in cases of need but also security and dignified living conditions. Lifelong learning and more flexible opportunities to remain in employment could also play an important role.
The organization notes that longer lives combined with good health and opportunities for active participation in social and economic life can become a resource for families, communities and the economy — a so-called “longevity dividend.”
UNFPA also emphasizes that population ageing concerns not only older people, as ageing is a process that continues throughout life. Decisions made today in healthcare, education, employment and social protection will shape living conditions for future generations.
The 2026 population census will provide an additional basis for planning such measures by offering new data on changes in Uzbekistan’s demographic structure.
UNFPA notes that preparing for longer lives is not only about responding to population ageing, but also about creating a society where people can maintain their health and security, participate in society and fulfil their potential at every stage of life.
