Sri Lanka, Oct. 30 -- Sri Lanka has been identified as one of the countries in Asia with the fastest-growing elderly population, according to health officials. Community Health Specialist Dr. Nishani Ubhayasekara noted that the elderly population in the country increased from 12% in 2012 to 18% in 2024. She added that projections indicate that by 2040, one in four Sri Lankans, or 25% of the population, will be elderly. Compared to other Asian countries, Sri Lanka has the highest rate of elderly population growth, a trend attributed to increased life expectancy at birth and a decline in birth rates.

Dr. Sithira Seneviratne, a geriatric specialist at Colombo National Hospital, highlighted that falls among the elderly are now recognized as ...