Iran Celebrates International Day of Older Persons 2025: Honoring Wisdom and Experience
The International Day of Older Persons was celebrated on October 1st in Tehran, bringing together ambassadors from China, Japan, and South Korea, as well as representatives from the United Nations. This year’s theme, “Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being and Our Rights,” emphasizes the vital role that older individuals play in fostering resilient and equitable societies. Far from being mere beneficiaries, older persons are pivotal in driving progress, contributing valuable knowledge and experience in areas such as health equity, financial stability, community resilience, and human rights advocacy.
At the event, Kita Ohashi, representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNPFA), addressed the challenges faced by aging populations. He stated, “We pay attention to the problems of aging in societies and work to combat ageism, empower the elderly, and create empowering environments.”
Key points discussed during the event included:
- The need to address gender challenges in aging populations, particularly for elderly women, who often face health inequalities and discriminatory practices.
- The importance of social engagement for the elderly, which can be improved by developing age-friendly environments.
- The recognition of Iran’s efforts in providing services and developing a roadmap for aging, particularly concerning the issues faced by elderly women.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator for Iran, Stefan Priesner, noted the significant demographic shifts occurring due to increased life expectancy in Iran, which now exceeds 70 years. He remarked, “People worldwide can live up to 60 years; Iran is a rapidly aging country.” By 2050, it is estimated that 30% of the global population will be elderly, presenting major challenges if no strategies are implemented to address these changes.
Priesner also referenced Article 29 of the Iranian Constitution, which emphasizes the health of the elderly, asserting that the UN is committed to ensuring no one is left behind in sustainable development.
Japan’s ambassador to Iran, Tsukada Tamaki, shared insights from Japan, a country with one of the highest percentages of elderly populations globally, stating, “Japan is one of the oldest countries in the world, with 29 percent of the population being elderly.” He highlighted Japan’s advanced approach to aging, including:
- Utilization of robots and artificial intelligence in elderly care.
- A unique health insurance system that provides free healthcare for individuals aged 70 and above.
- Efforts to encourage older individuals to actively participate in economic growth.
South Korean Ambassador Kim Junpyo also spoke at the event, emphasizing that “the elderly are not just beneficiaries of services, but active contributors to society.” He mentioned that by 2050, the elderly population is expected to reach two billion, which will significantly impact health systems and create social challenges. Notably, South Korea has initiated various programs, including:
- Dementia counseling centers.
- Creation of one million jobs for the elderly annually.
- Artificial intelligence-based care service projects in neighborhoods.
Furthermore, Cong Peiwu, the Chinese ambassador to Iran, expressed China’s willingness to collaborate with Iran on economic growth. He highlighted that China provides care services to 114 million people over the age of 60 and is continuously seeking to improve social care, including reforms for services for the disabled.
The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of a poster promoting health assistance for individuals with disabilities and the elderly in China.
In Iran, the National Elderly Week is being observed from September 30 to October 6, focusing on enhancing mental and physical health, social participation, and quality of life for older adults. This year’s theme is ‘Preserving dignity, improving health, and quality of life for the elderly using neighborhood-oriented approaches,’ as reported by IRNA.
Given the rapid increase in the aging population, Iran anticipates entering a phase of population aging between 2041 and 2046, with nearly a third of its population projected to be aged 60 and older by 2050. Currently, there are approximately 7.5 million Iranians aged 65 and older, representing less than 10% of the total population.
The elderly population in Iran is growing at a rate of 3.62%, which is five times faster than the overall population growth rate of 1.24%. Notably, elderly women comprise 52.3% of the elderly demographic, outnumbering men at 47.7%.
This year’s National Elderly Week programs are centered around three critical areas:
- Training and awareness-raising.
- Fostering respect and social participation.
- Promoting the physical, mental, and social well-being of the elderly.
Each day of the week is dedicated to a specific theme, as follows:
- Tuesday, September 30: ‘The elderly and social status’
- Wednesday, October 1: ‘The elderly and physical health’
- Thursday, October 2: ‘The elderly and mental health’
- Friday, October 3: ‘The elderly and family’
- Saturday, October 4: ‘The elderly and social participation’
- Sunday, October 5: ‘The elderly and social support’
- Monday, October 6: ‘The elderly, spirituality, and life expectancy’
Activities planned for the week include webinars, educational workshops, cultural and social festivals, light physical workouts, and free medical and consulting services at health stations. These initiatives aim to enhance the well-being of the elderly and ensure they remain active and engaged members of society.
This comprehensive approach underscores the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of older persons, ensuring their rights and well-being are prioritized in all aspects of society.
