Iran (IMNA) - Speaking on Saturday, Malmir stated that Iran will officially enter a phase of population aging between 2041 and 2046. Currently, government data show that 7.5 million Iranians are aged 65 and older, representing less than 10% of the total population.
The rapid increase in the elderly population is driven by declining birth rates, increased life expectancy, and other demographic trends. Malmir highlighted that the baby boomer generation, born in the 1970s and early 1980s, which makes up a significant portion of the population today, will be classified as elderly within the next 15 to 25 years.
“This change of structure requires serious planning,” Malmir emphasized in a speech reported by the official IRNA news agency.
He also noted that single elderly individuals currently make up 31% of Iran’s elderly population, a figure expected to grow and place additional strain on the country’s health and pension systems.
Most seniors reside in rural areas, with the northern province of Gilan having the oldest population. In contrast, the southern provinces of Khuzestan, Hormozgan, and Sistan and Baluchestan are demographically younger.
Alarmingly, about 62% of female seniors and 39% of male seniors in Iran live below the absolute poverty line, underscoring the urgent need for targeted social and economic support programs.
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