Turkey aging population reaches historic high

Turkey is experiencing a significant demographic shift as its population ages. According to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute, the proportion of citizens aged 65 and older has reached a historic high of 11.1 percent. While the total population grew by 228,434 people in the first half of 2026 to reach approximately 86.3 million, the share of the child population (ages 0-14) has declined to 20.4 percent.

This aging trend has created increased demand for elderly care and housing. Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, Minister of Family and Social Services, reported that 15,263 elderly individuals currently receive care in 178 Ministry-affiliated nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. Including private facilities, nearly 30,000 elderly people are currently in residential care.

To address capacity issues and long waiting lists, the Ministry is expanding services. Plans include opening six new care facilities with a 710-bed capacity and completing 14 nursing homes currently under construction by 2027. Göktaş noted that waiting lists are often exacerbated by regional preferences, such as the desire to remain in one's home city or specific preferences for single rooms.