The article aims to understand the key demographic trends over the last 30 years in Ukraine in terms of population ageing. Particular attention is paid to the differences between urban and rural populations for the analysis of possible social and economic implications of ageing. The study takes into account both national trends and regional differences, presenting key demographic indicators accordingly. The indicators studied include population dynamics by age groups, demographic burden, average age, support rate, average life expectancy, and changes in age and gender structure. The analysis reveals a steady trend of ageing over the last 30 years, resulting from the decline in the birth rate and the gradual shrinkage of the population aged 0–14 (from 21.6 to 15.5 million) with a simultaneous expansion of the elderly (65+) group (from 11.7 to 16.5 million). The fertility rate is on the decline, reaching 1.37 (compared to 1.94 in 1989), while the average age of the population has increased to 41.3 years. While with respect to changes in age groups, similar trends are observed for the urban and rural population, and in recent years the differences have been steadily leveling out, in the case of life expectancy these differences are still evident, especially for men. Depopulation trends in Ukraine are also intensified by emigration processes. Despite the social and economic challenges associated with the aging of society, there is a limit to further increases in the retirement age due to the low life expectancy