WILLEMSTAD – Women represent almost six out of every ten elderly residents in Curaçao, according to new demographic data from the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), highlighting a continuing gender imbalance among the island’s population aged 65 and older.
The CBS reported that as of January 1, 2026, Curaçao had 40,915 residents aged 65 years or older. Of this group, 23,961 were women, representing 58.6 percent of the elderly population. Men accounted for 16,954 residents, or 41.4 percent.
The difference between the number of elderly men and women has remained relatively stable over the past 15 years, with women consistently making up the larger share of the older population.
The CBS attributes this pattern partly to differences in life expectancy. Women in Curaçao generally live longer than men, with life expectancy estimated at 77.4 years for women compared with 72.8 years for men.
The gender difference becomes visible across all elderly age categories. According to CBS, women outnumber men in every age group among residents aged 65 and older.
The demographic trend has implications for healthcare and social policy. Because elderly women represent the majority of the senior population, services related to healthcare, housing, income security and social support increasingly need to consider the specific needs of older women.
The increase in the elderly population is also putting new attention on long-term care planning. Curaçao’s elderly population has grown from 20,511 people in 2011 to 40,915 in 2026, meaning the number of seniors has nearly doubled in a decade and a half.
The CBS figures show that the largest concentration of elderly residents is found among people aged 65 to 69. The number of residents decreases in older age categories, mainly because mortality increases as people reach advanced ages.
The latest population data confirms that Curaçao is entering a new demographic reality in which elderly residents represent an increasingly significant part of society.
For policymakers, the challenge will be ensuring that the island’s healthcare system, pension structure and social services can respond to a population that is not only growing older but also becoming increasingly female-dominated among the senior age groups.