<p>This brief describes trends in population ageing in Africa relative to those in economically advanced countries. It highlights the key drivers of the phenomenon, both globally and in the African context more specifically. <br /><br />The brief also analyses country-specific trends and demonstrates the reasons why the proportion of population 65 years and older is growing in many countries across the continent. Ageing is highly correlated with long-term physical and mental disability, and a number of long term chronic conditions and will likely increase personal care requirements.<br /><br />Furthermore, most socioeconomic indicators for the elderly in Africa are low, and in many countries poverty rates among the elderly are significantly higher than the national average.</p>