The aim of the paper is to depict the broader picture of the level of age structure transformation in Serbia, based on the data of the last three censuses (2002, 2011 and 2022). The historical conditioning of the age (pre)composition is explored through the basic determinants of the age structure. In order to monitor the advanced process of demographic ageing, age structure indicators have been calculated, and temporal and spatial comparisons were made. In a comparative manner, the population of Serbia is also put into relation to other European countries, using the methodology of demographic age stages. A more detailed analysis at the municipality level showed that 88.7% of the municipalities were in the demographic deepest old age. Thus, the classification was extended by adding demographic extremely deep old age that is characteristic of 39.2% municipalities in Serbia.

Recent empirical research on internal migration has focused on the change in migration volume, before and after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, by the degree of urbanization. Less is known about the types of rural areas that are attracting internal migrants. This study aims to explore the changes in internal rural migration patterns in Serbia due to the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the types of rural settlements as places of destinations and types of urban settlements as places of the origin of migrants. Relying on the additionally processed official national annual statistical data for the period 2018–2021, we offer findings on the differences in volume and socio-demographic characteristics of migrants across six internal migration flows (from small towns, medium-sized towns, and large cities, to suburban and non-suburban rural settlements). The results reveal that the pandemic affected an increase of rural–rural migration as well as rural in-migration from medium-sized towns. We also find that after an initial drop in values for in- and out-migration rates in 2020, relocation intensity exceeded the pre-pandemic level in 2021, with a positive net migration rate for all age groups except 15–30. The unfavorable economic characteristics of rural in-migrants shifted slightly in pandemic years since the share of active and population with personal means rose in non-suburban settlements, while the percentage of dependent population decreased. The opposite holds for suburban settlements.

Age waves is theoretical concept that take into account the importance of disordered cohort flows, mainly as by-product of demographic transition (fluctuating fertility and improved survival), but also external factors (especially wars). The primary age wave as a consequence of high births after the Second World War in Serbia did not remain an isolated phenomenon, but created a secondary cohort wave although the fertility indicators were declining, which is visible as the thickening of the pyramid base in 1981 due to the absolute increase in births. Cohort "tide" has influenced the shape of the pyramid to longer retain the properties of the stationary type because the baby boom generation reproduced the "echo" generation, which is a counterbalance to extreme demographic aging as the baby boom generation entered the contingent of the old population. A cohort analysis of the elderly population shows that the declining share of the elderly in a certain age group is typical for cohorts born during turbulent times, most often wars, while cohorts born afterwards form more numerous generations. A half-century characteristic of the Serbian population is an absolute increase of people older than 65, but it does not automatically mean an adequate increase in the relative share of the elderly because it depends on the number of other age groups and their cohort trajectories. The methodological tool that can valorize heterogeneity of the old population is important for societies with past oscillations in fertility and migratory movements. In this study, the usefulness of the arithmetic and geometric coefficients of aging was tested on the example of baby boom and baby bust generations and their position in the old population, revealing periods when rejuvenation or aging of the old has dominated.

Globally, the sustainable development goals that are determined by strategic frameworks and defined by adequate indicators can reveal complex trends in various social segments, but also provide valuable insights at the national level. The paper has a dual objective, to emphasize the goals in which special indicators on the older population already appear, and to indicate the possibility of expanding indicators on the older population in uncovered areas. Official sources of data published by the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia were used, according to which 125 indicators within 17 goals were monitored in 2022. The analysis showed that the indicators that explicitly recognize the elderly population exist in the areas of 1) no poverty 2) no hunger 3) gender equality 10) reducing inequality 17) partnerships for the goals. The results highlight that older women are at a higher risk of poverty in the long term, but that present deterioration was detected as a result of the increase in the at-risk-of-poverty rate among the male population. Although attention is directed to the nutritional needs of the elderly, there is no indicator in the reports to measure it. Within the third goal, which focuses on well-being, no indicators provide direct information about the elderly population, although there is room to present indicators for the elderly population within the data on tuberculosis incidence and mortality rates from various diseases. As part of the goals related to achieving gender equality, the age of women from 18 to 74 years who were exposed to various types of violence was marked. The reduction of inequality through the promotion of social, economic and political inclusion is measured by an indicator pointing that the older population has moved significantly away from the goal. The conclusion is that there is a disparity between the importance of the growing segment of the older population and the available indicators on their characteristics, and that the addition of new indicators focusing on this age group would shed light on important neglected nuances.

Population aging and climate change are two long-term processes that increasingly intersect, yet their interrelationship remains insufficiently explored in Southeast Europe. This article examines how adults aged 50+ in Serbia and Bulgaria understand, perceive, and respond to climate risks, with the aim of identifying age-specific vulnerabilities as well as opportunities for climate action. We administered the ClimateMind50+ questionnaire to purposive national samples comprising 309 respondents in Serbia (CAPI, 82 municipalities) and 155 respondents in Bulgaria (CAWI, 74 municipalities). Socio-demographic differences were analyzed using descriptive statistics and χ² tests. The findings indicate moderate levels of self-assessed climate literacy, strong concern about the impacts of climate change on future generations, and heightened anxiety regarding extreme heat and prolonged dry periods. During climate-related emergencies, respondents rely predominantly on family networks rather than local institutions, and overall preparedness for extreme events remains limited. Adaptive and pro-environmental behaviors are modest and vary by gender, education level, and type of settlement. Population aging interacts with socio-economic vulnerability, energy poverty, regional decline, and governance constraints, shaping both exposure to climate risks and the capacity for behavioral adaptation. Climate strategies in both countries should therefore become more age-inclusive and socially responsive, recognizing older adults not only as a vulnerable group but also as active contributors to resilience.

Population ageing in Serbia has pervading effect on many societal spheres. Paradigm of active ageing highlights the importance for older to lead healthy and productive life. The aim of this paper is to explore active ageing practices of institutionalised older citizens considering their sociodemographic characteristics and migration background. Semi-structured interview, as a qualitative research method was used to grasp perceptions and experiences of 27 older residents in nursing homes regarding adjustment in later life and daily activities. Additional valuable insight on topic was gained from institutional social workers. According to the results, the routine of daily living of the elders varies depending on individual abilities, preferences, health, marital status and migration history. The findings suggest that institutional setting does not have to represent barrier to active ageing, with implications for further research and practice.