WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao is experiencing a rapid ageing of its population, with the number of residents aged 65 and older almost doubling over the past 15 years, according to new figures from the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS).
As of January 1, 2026, Curaçao had a total population of 158,006 people, of whom 40,915 were aged 65 years or older. This means that 25.9 percent of the island’s population is now part of the elderly age group.
The CBS data shows a significant demographic shift compared with 2011, when Curaçao had 20,511 residents aged 65 and older. By 2026, that number had increased by 20,404 people, representing a growth of 99.5 percent in just 15 years.
The ageing trend has accelerated in recent years. Between 2016 and 2026, the number of residents aged 65 and older increased from 24,930 to 40,915, an increase of 64.1 percent. Between 2011 and 2021, the increase was 43.5 percent.
The CBS also reported that the elderly population grew significantly in just one year. Between January 1, 2025 and January 1, 2026, the number of residents aged 65 and older increased by 1,463 people, from 39,452 to 40,915. As a result, the share of elderly residents increased from 25.3 percent to 25.9 percent.
The demographic change has important consequences for Curaçao’s society, healthcare system, pension arrangements and social services. A larger elderly population increases the demand for medical care, elderly housing, home assistance and long-term care services.
The CBS figures also highlight differences between men and women among older residents.
Women continue to represent the majority of the elderly population. In 2026, women accounted for 58.6 percent of residents aged 65 and older, compared with 41.4 percent men. In absolute numbers, there were 23,961 women aged 65 and older and 16,954 men.
According to CBS, the difference reflects several demographic factors, including higher life expectancy among women. The average life expectancy reported by the statistics office is 77.4 years for women compared with 72.8 years for men.
The largest group within the elderly population consists of people between 65 and 69 years old. After that age category, the number of residents gradually declines as age increases, reflecting higher mortality rates among older age groups. Women outnumber men in every elderly age category.
The CBS data shows that ageing is becoming one of the defining demographic trends for Curaçao. With more than one-quarter of the population now aged 65 or older, policymakers face growing pressure to ensure that healthcare, pensions and social services are prepared for the changing needs of the population.