Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — The number of people aged 60 years and above reached about 1.7 million in Saudi Arabia, and these people represent 4.8 percent of the total population.

According to the 2025 Elderly Statistics Bulletin published on Thursday by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), among the elderly people, Saudis make up 69 percent. Males represented 57 percent while females constituted 43 percent of the total elderly people.

It was revealed in the survey that a very high level of life satisfaction among the elderly, with approximately 91 percent of both men and women expressing satisfaction. Those who were neutral constituted about 7 percent, while only 2 percent of both genders expressed dissatisfaction.

The results of the survey showed that the rate of active social participation among elderly Saudis reached 63.4 percent for males compared to 57.3 percent for females, while the rate of irregular social participation was 26.5 percent for males and 30.6 percent for females. The results also indicated that 11 percent of both genders do not participate in social activities or family events.

The survey also found that physical activity among the elderly decreases with age. The percentage of those who exercise in the 60-64 age group was approximately 42.6 percent, dropping to 36.1 percent in the 65-69 age group, then to 24.2 percent in the 70-74 age group, and finally reaching 9.6 percent among those aged 85 and above.

The survey results revealed that 40.6 percent of elderly Saudi men are self-reliant in performing their daily tasks and meeting their needs, while 30.9 percent rely on their children and 25.8 percent on their spouses. Among elderly women, 40.9 percent rely on their children, 36.5 percent are self-reliant, and 5.7 percent rely on their husbands.

Regarding digital integration among the elderly, the survey showed that 86.9 percent of elderly men use a smartphone or computer, compared to 78 percent of elderly women. As for using technology to access services or perform tasks, the percentage is 75.7 percent for men and 58.7 percent for women.