The world in the 21st century is rapidly aging. According to reports from the United Nations, the population over 60 years old will reach 1.4 billion by 2030 and 2 billion or 20% of the world’s population by 2050.
This growth will be most significant in developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. In other words, the aging of the world’s population will be one of the most important social changes in the 21st century.
The age composition of populations in countries with economic and social development and improved health conditions has changed, and they are moving towards aging. In the past 6 months, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected more than 805 million people in 213 countries and resulted in the loss of 462,681 lives as of June 2020. The first group to be affected by this pandemic has been the elderly, as 73.6% of those who have lost their lives, 340

In Iran

According to the 2016 census, out of Iran’s population of 79 million, 7 million and 14 thousand and 91 people, or 9.28%, were elderly. It is predicted that by 2025, the percentage of elderly will reach 10%, and by 2050, it will exceed 30%. This is a shocking and concerning difference compared to the global elderly population, which is estimated to be 20% by 2050. In fact, by 2050, one out of every three people in Iran will be elderly. With such unprecedented growth, Iran’s society lacks the necessary infrastructure, social services, retirement insurance, institutions, and nursing homes for the elderly. Even currently, there are no economic support systems, retirement funds, social services, or other forms of social support for the elderly in Iran. Therefore, the projected growth of over 30% by 2050 can be described as a disaster. Currently, 30% of