Iran has launched its National Elderly Week to raise public awareness about healthy and active aging. The Health Ministry is organizing the weeklong campaign to address the country’s rapidly shifting demographic landscape. Senior officials aim to empower caregivers, strengthen family support systems, and expand geriatric healthcare services nationwide. The national initiative aligns with global efforts to address the social and economic impacts of increased longevity.
Recent demographic data reveals that older adults currently comprise 13 percent of Iran’s total population. Meanwhile, declining birth rates are accelerating this aging process across all provinces and major urban centers. Projections indicate that citizens aged 60 and above will constitute 30 percent of the population by 2050. Consequently, this demographic shift will place significant pressure on pension funds and public healthcare resources.
National Elderly Week runs from September 26 to October 2, with distinct themes assigned to each day. Saturday focuses on rethinking aging policies, while Sunday emphasizes active and hopeful living for senior citizens. Monday highlights older adults as social assets rather than passive recipients of public welfare assistance. Tuesday promotes age-friendly infrastructure, while Wednesday centers on achieving longer, healthier lives through prevention.
Thursday addresses the silver economy by framing senior citizens as economic contributors rather than costs. This day coincides with the International Day of Older Persons on October 1. Furthermore, Friday concludes the campaign by emphasizing intergenerational empathy, family solidarity, and inclusive community support. Together, these daily focus areas encourage public institutions to modernize their social safety nets.
Health Ministry official Alireza Raeisi emphasized that population aging remains an inevitable global phenomenon. Consequently, policymakers must identify the complex economic, social, and cultural factors behind declining fertility rates. Additionally, Marzieh Vahid-Dastjerdi noted that children under 15 currently represent 21.5 percent of the population. However, falling birth rates continue to reduce this younger demographic segment each year.
Iran currently benefits from a temporary demographic window featuring a large working-age population. Experts estimate that the country has a brief 15- to 20-year window to reform its infrastructure. Therefore, state institutions must expand home-based care options and comprehensive rehabilitation services nationwide. Otherwise, delaying structural policy adjustments could create significant economic burdens for future working generations.