russia Is Rapidly Aging: by 2040, the Country Will Turn into a “Society of Pensioners”

The demographic situation in russia is rapidly deteriorating and indicates the accelerated aging of society. The share of the population aged 0–35 has decreased from 55% in 1990 to 40% in 2025, with the rate of decline accelerating significantly after 2020. This trend poses long-term risks to the country’s economy, labor market, and social stability.

The data clearly show a steady trend of demographic aging in russia. If current trends continue, by 2040 the share of the population aged under 35 may fall to 30%, which would mean the country’s transition to a “society of elderly people” model, characteristic of the most demographically depleted states.

A distinctive peculiarity of the russian demographic crisis is a pronounced gender imbalance. Starting at the age of 25–30, the country is experiencing an accelerated die off of the male population, leading to a predominance of women in older age groups. According to experts, the median resident of russia in 2040 will be a woman aged 50–55.

The situation is further exacerbated by russia’s war against Ukraine. Massive losses among men of conscription and working age, rising disability rates, emigration, and a demographic “hole” are further accelerating the decline of the male population in the rf. Thus, the war not only has direct military and economic consequences, but is also a powerful catalyst for long-term demographic degradation.

The formation of a “society of elderly women” will inevitably change social demands in the country. Analysts predict an increase in demand for social conservatism, rigid stability, and heightened security measures – characteristics of aging and physically vulnerable societies. At the same time, russia’s potential for economic renewal, innovation, and dynamic development is significantly narrowing in such a demographic reality.