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Healthcare and demographic challenges in Iran

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2026-10-18 09:24 UTC → 2026-10-20 13:07 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Iran is experiencing significant challenges within its healthcare landscape, specifically regarding demographic shifts, specialized medical access, and pharmaceutical stability. Reports indicate a major demographic transition as the elderly population grows, currently comprising about 12 percent of the nation. Projections suggest this could exceed 26 percent by 2051. This aging process is reportedly occurring faster than in countries like Japan or Italy, driven by a birth rate decreasing by roughly 7 percent annually and an increase in life expectancy to approximately 74 years. ~~This shift poses severe economic risks, including potential ‘elderly poverty.’~~ Many workers entering seniority have operated within the informal economy, facing low wages and insufficient insurance. Consequently, there are growing concerns regarding the readiness of pension and social security systems. Currently, elderly populations occupy more than 60 percent of hospital beds, primarily due to chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and mental health issues. Recent medical reports highlight specific geriatric health crises, notably a high prevalence of osteoporosis. ~~Baqer Larijani, head of the Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, stated~~ Newer projections indicate that ~~only about 20~~ by the year 1430 (Persian calendar), more than 30 percent of ~~Iranians~~ the population will be over the age ~~50 maintain adequate bone density. Among those over 65, osteoporosis affects 62 percent~~ of ~~both women~~ 60. To manage this, Majid Fouladian, Deputy Minister and ~~men. Compounding these issues, Dr. Ahmad Esmailzadeh~~ head of the ~~Ministry~~ National Council of ~~Health has warned that dairy consumption~~ the Elderly, has ~~fallen significantly below recommended levels, with~~ emphasized the national average at approximately one unit per day. This decline is driven by economic constraints and unscientific beliefs. Such nutritional gaps contribute to reduced calcium levels, further exacerbating bone need for infrastructure development ~~issues in children~~ and ~~osteoporosis in~~ the ~~elderly. To address this,~~ creation of a ~~proposal has been submitted~~ ‘silver economy.’ Strategic initiatives include piloting elderly-related policies in Alborz Province and developing a national ‘elderly identity card’ via a digital dashboard. This registry aims to ~~the Iranian Parliament~~ track economic status, lifestyle, and medical data for individuals over 60 to ~~allocate 1% of food factory taxes toward supporting the nutritional needs of low-income populations.~~ facilitate more precise, targeted policymaking for high-risk seniors.

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