Mapping of Global Aging and Poverty Research: A Scientometric and Visualization Approach

The purpose of this study is to map global research trends on aging and poverty using scientometric analysis and visualization techniques from 2015 to 2025. As the aging population grows, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, financial insecurity, limited access to healthcare, and weak social support systems amplify the vulnerabilities of older adults. Using data from the Scopus database, 1,729 relevant publications were analyzed using Bibliometrix R, VOSviewer, and OpenRefine to map publication trends, authorship patterns, leading sources, and collaboration networks. The study revealed moderate research output with a negative annual growth rate, although the citations indicated considerable academic influence. Lotka’s Law was applied to assess author productivity, confirming that most contributors were one-time authors of the journal. The United States, the United Kingdom, and China emerged as the most prolific and highly cited countries, whereas institutions such as Harvard University and Johns Hopkins University led in research impact. Thematic evolution and co-occurrence analyses identified “aging and poverty” and “healthcare” as central research themes. This review underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and policy-relevant evidence in addressing the complex socioeconomic challenges faced by older populations in Japan. These findings provide valuable insights for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers aiming to enhance global aging welfare.