Healthy Ageing
Ageing in the Arab countries
This page was initiated with support from UNFPA/ASRO and received additional support from Aging in Eastern Mediterranean countries (EMage).
Over the next 30 years, the population in the Arab countries is expected to experience a rapid aging process. According to the United Nations projections, while currently only 7 percent of the population in the Arab region are aged 60 years and older, within the next 30 years, this segment of the population with increase with an annual growth rate of 3.8 percent, a growth rate that exceeds twice the growth rate of the total population (1.4 percent).
This growth rate is projected to increase the share of the older persons in the total population of the Arab countries to 15 percent with 101 million persons in this age group. This rapid growth of the older population is also taking place alongside significant social and economic changes as well as high levels of political challenges in our societies which put substantial pressure on both the societies as well as the families to fully and effectively cater to the needs of their older persons. Furthermore, there is no doubt that Covid-19 has particularly resulted in the harshest impact on different dimensions of older persons’ wellbeing and magnified the level of inequalities among the different social groups of the older population.
The current page aims to support efforts to achieve equitable healthy aging in Arab countries. According to World Health Organization healthy aging is defined as “the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age.” This section focuses on strategies and policies that address inequities in healthy aging in the Arab region.
Healthy Ageing Reports and Actions
Regional Strategies, Policies, Reports and Actions
Healthy Aging Regional Initiative
This section sheds some light on innovative regional initiatives that support research, practices, and policies with the aim of securing the welfare and full engagement of older persons.
Sharing Knowledge and Discussions
In support of knowledge sharing, this section offers a professional space for our members to share their scientific contributions (published papers, working papers, presentations, and blogs) that relate to healthy aging. After a scientific review by our editorial members, the shared contribution will be announced and posted on the platform.
To share your contribution or any evidence or knowledge on the identified issues, send an email.
