Morocco is entering an advanced stage of demographic transition, with its population aging at a pace that experts warn could strain health and social protection systems, according to a report recently released by the High Commission for Planning (HCP).
The number of Moroccans aged 60 and over reached 5 million in 2024, up from 3.1 million a decade earlier, the HCP said.
Seniors now represent 14% of the population, a sharp increase driven by a steep decline in fertility and longer life spans.
Fertility has fallen from 7.2 children per woman ten years ago to just 1.97 in 2024, while life expectancy has climbed to 77.2 years, five years higher than in 2014.
The HCP warns that this demographic shift will have major repercussions for health care and pension systems.
One in five older Moroccans suffers from serious chronic illnesses, and more than 30% lack health insurance.
Women make up 35% of the population over 60. Public hospitals remain the primary source of care for 61.2% of seniors, while fewer than 30% use private clinics. In rural areas, 3.8% of elderly people receive no medical care, compared with 2.9% in cities.
The HCP projects that by 2030, Morocco could have nearly 3.9 million elderly patients with chronic or contagious diseases, underscoring the need to expand health services and strengthen social safety nets.
