Iran’s Urban Transformation: 15+ Cities Embrace Age-Friendly Initiatives
In recent developments, age-friendly communities are being established across Iran, aimed at enhancing the quality of life for the elderly. The head of the Welfare Organization has announced that 16 cities in the country are actively working on this initiative.
These cities span various provinces, including:
- Tehran
- Gilan
- Yazd
- Isfahan
- East Azarbaijan
- West Azarbaijan
- Lorestan
- Hamedan
- Khuzestan
- Bushehr
According to Seyed Javad Hosseini, the head of the Welfare Organization, age-friendly communities are designed to ensure that age does not hinder one’s ability to live well. These environments are tailored to support older individuals by providing opportunities for them to enjoy life and maintain their well-being.
As the population ages, the services for the elderly have become increasingly vital. Hosseini noted that approximately 6.5 million elderly individuals are currently benefiting from various services offered by the Welfare Organization. These services encompass:
- Home care
- Counseling
- Day and overnight care
- Social supports
In October 2024, Mojgan Rezazadeh, the head of the secretariat of the National Council of the Elderly, revealed that the national document aimed at creating age-friendly environments has officially been implemented. Rezazadeh emphasized the global trend of an aging population, particularly in developing countries, stating that Iran is witnessing a similar shift. The percentage of the elderly population in Iran rose from 5% in 1976 to approximately 10.5%, which translates to about 9 million people.
This national document is focused on enhancing both the physical and social environments to better cater to the needs of the elderly. It consists of three main components:
- Principles of indicators and criteria for the strategic plan of an age-friendly city.
- Workshops on preparing a strategic document for an age-friendly city.
- Planning indicators for an age-friendly city.
Moreover, the initiative is set to include traveling and tours specifically designed for the elderly as an additional facet of the plan. The age-friendly environment encompasses eight primary domains, which include:
- Transportation
- Social participation
- Civic participation and employment
- Respect and social inclusion
- Housing
- Communication and information
Each province is tasked with creating a strategic provincial document tailored to its unique environment. The implementation of these plans will require collaboration among member institutions, municipalities, and governor-general offices within each city. Rezazadeh highlighted the importance of strong participation from these local entities to ensure the success of the initiative.
As Iran continues to adapt to the changes brought on by an aging population, the establishment of age-friendly communities is a crucial step towards providing support and opportunities for older individuals. By focusing on improving the physical and social landscapes, these initiatives aim to foster a society where elderly individuals can thrive and participate actively in their communities.
In conclusion, the efforts to create age-friendly environments reflect a growing recognition of the needs of the elderly in Iran, paving the way for a more inclusive and supportive society. As these initiatives unfold, they hold the promise of enhancing the quality of life for millions of elderly citizens across the nation.
