Elderly population in Türkiye to exceed 9.5M next year

Professor Emine Ozmete, the dean of Ankara University's Faculty of Health Sciences, has indicated that Türkiye's elderly population is expected to increase to over 9.5 million next year.

Ozmete, who also serves as the director of the Center for Aging Studies Practice and Research (YASAM) at the university, made this announcement during Elderly Week, which runs from March 18 to 24.

Elderly population to represent 12.9% in 2030

She reported a 22.6% increase in Türkiye's elderly population over the past five years, reaching 8.45 million individuals in 2022.

Ozmete highlighted that this demographic shift marks the first time in the Republic's history that the proportion of elderly in the total population has reached double digits, rising to 10.2% in 2023.

According to Ozmete's projections, the elderly population is expected to rise to 9.73 million by 2025 and continue increasing in subsequent years.

She forecasts the elderly population to represent 12.9% in 2030, 16.3% in 2040, 22.6% in 2060, and 25.6% in 2080, based on population projections.

Addressing the broader societal implications, Ozmete emphasized that the aging population profoundly impacts various sectors, including family dynamics, intergenerational relationships, workforce dynamics, and financial markets.

She stressed that this demographic shift constitutes one of the most significant societal transformations of the 21st century.

Ozmete underscored the urgent need for comprehensive policy measures, particularly in urban areas, to address the rising demand for goods and services catering to the elderly population.

She advocated for integrated health and social care planning and implementation, the expansion of specialized care services such as palliative care and Alzheimer's support, and the establishment of a comprehensive care insurance system.

Ozmete proposed the formation of elderly councils within local governments to harness the knowledge and experience of the elderly, ensuring their active participation in decision-making processes.

"It is important for cities to be accessible to the elderly and their families to support the right to participate in society. The establishment of elderly councils in local governments to benefit from the knowledge and experience of the elderly and to ensure their participation in decisions should be seen as the most important responsibility of municipalities," she said. 

She challenged prevailing social norms, suggesting that retirement should be viewed as an opportunity for active and healthy aging, warranting investments in various aspects of elderly life, including health, social, and cultural spheres.

In conclusion, Ozmete emphasized that longer life expectancy presents not only challenges but also opportunities for individuals, families, and societies at large. 

Source: Türkiye Today with AA