Saudi Arabia’s elderly population is growing, with approximately 1.7 million residents aged 60 and above now representing 4.8 percent of the total population, according to recent data. This demographic shift, highlighted in the 2025 Elderly Statistics Bulletin released by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) on Thursday, has implications for healthcare, social services, and economic planning within the Kingdom. The report provides a detailed look at the wellbeing, social engagement, and technological adoption of Saudi seniors.
Understanding the Saudi Elderly Population
The GASTAT bulletin reveals a largely Saudi senior population, with nationals comprising 69 percent of those aged 60 and over. A greater proportion of the elderly are male, accounting for 57 percent of the total, while women represent 43 percent. This gender distribution may reflect historical life expectancy differences, though these are narrowing with improved healthcare access.
Demographic Shifts and Future Projections
Saudi Arabia, like many nations globally, is experiencing a demographic transition toward an aging population. This is primarily driven by increasing life expectancy and declining birth rates. The number of people aged 60 and over is expected to continue rising in the coming decades, requiring proactive measures to address the specific needs of this population group.
Notably, the survey indicates a high level of life satisfaction among Saudi seniors. Approximately 91 percent of both men and women reported being satisfied with their lives, with only 2 percent expressing dissatisfaction. The remaining 7 percent held neutral views. This finding suggests that despite potential challenges related to aging, the majority of older Saudis experience a positive quality of life.
However, this positive outlook doesn’t necessarily translate to ubiquitous social engagement. The report shows 63.4 percent of elderly Saudi men actively participate in social activities, compared to 57.3 percent of women. Another 26.5 percent of men and 30.6 percent of women are considered irregularly socially engaged while 11 percent of both genders report little to no participation.
Physical activity levels decline significantly with age, according to the survey. Approximately 42.6 percent of individuals in the 60-64 age group engage in exercise, a figure that drops to 36.1 percent for those aged 65-69. Further declines are seen in the 70-74 group (24.2 percent) and among those 85 and older (9.6 percent). This diminishing activity highlights the need for targeted health promotion programs geared toward maintaining mobility and preventing age-related health issues.
The survey also examines the level of self-reliance among elderly Saudis. Approximately 40.6 percent of men report being able to independently manage daily tasks and needs. This compares to 36.5 percent for women. A significant proportion of both genders rely on family support: 30.9 percent of men depend on their children, and 40.9 percent of women do so. A smaller percentage of women rely on their spouses (5.7 percent). This reliance on family is a cultural norm in the region and a key factor in elder care systems.
Digital Adoption Among Saudi Seniors
The findings indicate a growing, though not universal, trend toward digital inclusion among Saudi Arabia’s elderly. A substantial 86.9 percent of elderly men utilize smartphones or computers, while 78 percent of women do. This suggests a developing awareness of and access to technology within this demographic.
Interestingly, the use of technology to directly access services or complete transactions is lower than basic device ownership. 75.7 percent of men and 58.7 percent of women use technology for these purposes. This gap may reflect differences in digital literacy, access to appropriate services, or comfort levels with online transactions. The increasing availability of telehealth options could bridge this gap and increase technology usage among women.
The data points to a potential need for more training and support to empower the elderly in Saudi Arabia to fully leverage digital technologies. Improved accessibility and user-friendly interfaces could also encourage greater adoption and utilize services more effectively.
The General Authority for Statistics plans to release further demographic breakdowns and updates to the Elderly Statistics Bulletin in the coming years. Continued monitoring of these trends will be crucial for policymakers and service providers. Future reports are expected to delve deeper into regional variations within Saudi Arabia and address nuances related to socioeconomic status. The effectiveness of current elder care programs and the need for further investment will also be key areas of analysis.
