As the number of children and adolescents decreases, the number of elderly and very old people is increasing. At the end of 2005 just under 22% of permanent population were aged less than 20, and nearly one sixth were aged 65 and over. This marks a dramatic shift in the age pyramid over the course of the century. In 1900 two fifths of the population were under 20, and only one person in 17 was over 65. A similar shift has been in almost all western countries.

Since at least the beginning of the 20th century women have lived longer than men. About half the women in Switzerland live to celebrate their 85th birthday, according to a study released in 2004.

Switzerland has more centenarians per head of population than any other country in Europe, the study showed. In 2000 there were 796 people aged 100 or more. In 1900 there were just two.