Lorraine Williamson
A significant demographic shift is underway as Spain’s major urban centres continue to draw young people for work, education, and lifestyle opportunities.
Cities like Madrid and Barcelona, once bustling with families, are now seeing a marked decline in the number of children, while the elderly population grows at an alarming rate.
Population demographics: A shift towards ageing
Recent figures from Spain’s National Statistics Office (INE) reveal a growing divide in the country’s age structure. The population is now evenly split: half is older than 45, while the other half is younger. A decade ago, the average age was four years younger, however, this gap has steadily widened over the past 20 years. The country’s average age has increased by over eight years since the early 2000s, signalling a clear shift towards an older society.
In the past ten years, the number of people aged 65 and over has increased by 26% in comparison to children and teenagers under 16. This trend is most evident in Spain’s largest cities, where there are now 142 seniors for every 100 young people, up from 100 in 2000.
Ageing cities: The demographic impact
This demographic shift is felt most acutely in Spain’s urban areas. Barcelona, for example, now has 171 seniors for every 100 children under 16. Madrid follows closely with 154 seniors per 100 young people, while Valencia reports 162. Seville is closer to the national average, with 143 seniors for every 100 children.
In contrast, surrounding regions and provinces are not experiencing this trend at the same pace. In Seville province, there are only 114 seniors per 100 young people. One of the key reasons for this disparity is the migration of young families from high-cost cities to more affordable suburban areas.
Families moving out, elderly staying in
The rising cost of living in cities has made them increasingly unappealing for young families. Small, expensive apartments, overcrowded schools, and a lack of green spaces are driving families to seek better options in towns like Rivas-Vaciamadrid, near Madrid, and Dos Hermanas, near Seville, where the number of children is rising.
Meanwhile, older residents, who have spent their lives in these cities, remain. Many face isolation, difficulties with mobility, and homes ill-equipped for their needs, such as buildings without elevators. These challenges are intensifying as the cities become less family-friendly.
Solutions from Alicante: Intergenerational housing
Alicante has emerged as a model for addressing the challenges posed by an ageing population. The city’s innovative intergenerational housing project at Plaza de América brings together young people and seniors under one roof. In exchange for affordable rent, young tenants help elderly residents with daily tasks. This project has been successful and is being expanded with a second building in the Benalúa neighbourhood.
Alicante has also introduced the Bono Vivienda Joven, a direct rental subsidy designed to assist young people in finding affordable housing. According to the OECD, this approach offers valuable lessons for other cities grappling with both an ageing population and a housing crisis.
The urgent need for action
If this trend of ageing cities continues, urban centres will face significant challenges. A growing elderly population, combined with fewer working-age people, could lead to reduced tax revenues, increased pressure on social services, and a shrinking workforce.
To mitigate these effects, cities must act now. Solutions should include affordable housing for families, intergenerational living models, enhanced public transport, more green spaces, and accessible healthcare services for all ages. The future of Spain’s cities depends on how well they adapt to the changing demographic landscape.
Also read: Luxury senior co-living: A new trend in elderly care in Spain