According to the Public Relations and International Affairs Office of the State Welfare Organization of Iran, Seyed Javad Hosseini made the remarks during a visit to the charity-funded complex in Darab. Expressing appreciation for the efforts made to establish the facility, he described population ageing as one of the most significant social challenges facing the country.
He noted that Iran is experiencing rapid population ageing and stressed the importance of planning now to manage this demographic transition.
Referring to the fact that older persons account for approximately 13 percent of the country’s population, Hosseini added that, according to demographic projections, the population aged 65 and over will exceed the child population by 1415 in the Iranian calendar (2036–2037), while by 1420 (2041–2042), it will surpass the young population. This trend, he said, underscores the growing need for serious attention to demographic policies and planning for an ageing society.
The head of the State Welfare Organization emphasized that ageing could become a major challenge in the absence of appropriate planning. However, with effective policies and forward-looking strategies, it could also create significant economic and social opportunities.
The Silver Economy: An Opportunity for Employment and Older Persons’ Participation
Highlighting the economic potential of an ageing population, Hosseini described the silver economy as an important and rapidly growing sector. He noted that older persons, drawing on the experience, knowledge, and skills they have acquired throughout their lives, can continue to participate in economic and social activities suited to their abilities and circumstances.
He added that the country’s Silver Economy Roadmap had been unveiled on September 30, and that plans to expand employment opportunities in related sectors were also underway. Other initiatives include holding a silver economy exhibition in Tehran and identifying employment opportunities for older persons.
Referring to the creation of 13,000 employment opportunities for older persons in the previous year, Hosseini stressed that Iran should make greater use of the capacities of its older population and create opportunities for their active participation in the country’s development through activities suited to their capabilities.
Pursuing Legal Approvals and Supporting the Development of the Darab Senior Living Complex
Hosseini described the charity-funded Darab Senior Living Complex as a valuable and necessary initiative, noting that facilities of this kind could extend their role beyond residential care and serve as hubs providing a wide range of services to older persons living in their own homes and with their families.
Referring to existing legal constraints on licensing senior living villages, he explained that current regulations provide for the licensing of residential and day-care facilities for older persons, as well as home-based care services. However, establishing senior living villages requires additional licensing arrangements and greater coordination among relevant sectors.
The head of the State Welfare Organization announced that efforts were underway to address these obstacles and facilitate the necessary approvals for the Darab complex. He added that the organization was ready to work with relevant institutions to explore ways for the facility to operate as a comprehensive senior care and services center.
He also announced plans to seek the participation of Refah Bank and charitable donors in securing the financial resources required for the project. The State Welfare Organization, he said, could also assist in providing some of the necessary equipment. In addition, access to support services and subsidies for elderly care could be pursued in accordance with applicable regulations and licensing requirements.
Highlighting the complex’s potential to serve older persons across southeastern Iran, Hosseini noted that, given the shortage of similar facilities, the Darab complex could develop into an interregional center, attracting older persons from different parts of the country to access its services.
Bridging Generations Through the “Caring Hands” Initiative
In another part of his remarks, the head of the State Welfare Organization emphasized the importance of fostering connections between older persons experiencing loneliness and children without parental care. He cited the “Caring Hands” initiative as a model for addressing the emotional needs of both groups.
He explained that some children grow up without the presence of their parents, while some older persons experience loneliness and lack sufficient emotional and family connections. Through a well-designed program, he said, these two groups could help meet one another’s emotional needs.
Highlighting the Darab complex’s potential to implement this initiative, Hosseini proposed allocating part of the facility to child-related activities to establish meaningful, structured, and ongoing interactions between children and older persons.
He added that, alongside care and support services, such an initiative could strengthen intergenerational relationships, enhance a sense of belonging, and reduce loneliness among older persons, while providing children with an environment rich in affection and emotional support.
Darab Senior Living Complex: A Lasting Contribution to Social Responsibility
In conclusion, the head of the State Welfare Organization expressed his appreciation to the charitable donors and all those involved in establishing the complex. He described the initiative in Darab as an important step toward expanding social services and emphasized the need for cooperation among government agencies, charitable donors, and support institutions to complete and operationalize the facility.
Hosseini expressed hope that, through the necessary licensing procedures, the provision of equipment, and the establishment of appropriate support mechanisms, the charity-funded Darab Senior Living Complex would become a model for delivering comprehensive services to older persons and advancing innovative social programs across Iran.
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