Iran Celebrates National Elderly Week: Honoring Our Seniors and Their Legacy
The observance of National Elderly Week in Iran, running from September 30 to October 6, aims to enhance the mental and physical health, social engagement, and overall quality of life for older adults. This initiative coincides with the International Day of Older Persons, celebrated on October 1, with this year’s theme focusing on ‘Preserving the dignity, improving the health and quality of life of the elderly using neighborhood-oriented approaches,’ as reported by IRNA.
As the population of older adults in Iran continues to grow, the country is on track to enter a significant phase of aging between 2041 and 2046. By 2050, it is projected that nearly one-third of the population will be aged 60 and older, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive support and services.
Currently, there are approximately 7.5 million Iranians aged 65 and older, which makes up less than 10 percent of the total population. Notably, the growth rate of the elderly population stands at 3.62 percent, significantly outpacing the overall population growth rate of 1.24 percent. Among the elderly demographic, women represent 52.3 percent, while men account for 47.7 percent.
This year’s National Elderly Week concentrates on three major areas:
- Training and awareness-raising
- Fostering respect and social participation
- Promoting physical, mental, and social well-being
Each day of the week is dedicated to a specific theme to address various aspects of elderly life:
- 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
During this week, various programs will be organized, including:
- Webinars and educational workshops
- Development of informative posters and media
- Media campaigns
- Cultural and social festivals
- Light physical workouts
- Meetings with successful seniors
- Free medical and consulting services at health stations
The 2025 United Nations International Day of Older Persons will carry the theme “Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being and Our Rights.” This day emphasizes the vital role that older persons play in building resilient and equitable societies. Rather than being mere beneficiaries, older adults contribute significantly to progress through their knowledge and experience in diverse fields such as health equity, community resilience, and human rights advocacy.
Demographic changes necessitate immediate action. As older persons represent a rapidly expanding segment of society, particularly in developing countries, it is crucial to implement policies that empower them. This includes ensuring equitable access to healthcare, social protection, and the elimination of discrimination, which are pivotal for sustainable development in an aging world.
By amplifying the voices of older persons and acknowledging their contributions, the 2025 International Day provides a platform for them to express their aspirations and advocate for their rights, pushing for policies that ensure their dignity and well-being.
In line with this, the National Council of the Elderly has approved 18 strategic plans aimed at enhancing the status of older adults. These plans include:
- Development of age-friendly communities
- Formal and informal caregiver training
- Neighborhood welfare programs
- Legislation to defend the rights of the elderly
- Amendments to executive regulations for elderly affairs
- Training experts in aging
- Implementation of a time bank
- Development of an elderly data management dashboard
- Establishment of modern aging centers
- Promotion of elderly tourism
- Employment opportunities for the elderly
- Creation of an aging economy document
- Expansion of science and technology in aging
- Improvement of aging literacy
- Empowerment of single elderly women
- Long-term care insurance
- National survey on aging
The overarching goal of these plans is to enhance the physical and mental health of older adults, promote social empowerment, improve care services, prevent harm, and develop the necessary culture and infrastructure for better integration of older people into society.
Furthermore, 16 cities across the country have initiated necessary measures to create age-friendly communities. These cities include Tehran, Gilan, Yazd, Isfahan, East Azarbaijan, West Azarbaijan, Lorestan, Hamedan, Khuzestan, and Bushehr provinces.
An age-friendly environment is characterized by eight key domains:
- Transportation
- Social participation
- Civic participation and employment
- Respect and social inclusion
- Housing
- Communication and information
As Iran observes National Elderly Week, it is essential to reflect on the contributions of older adults and the need for continued support to enhance their quality of life.
