According to the Public Relations and International Affairs Office of the State Welfare Organization of Iran, Seyed Javad Hosseini made the remarks while discussing the importance of international experience-sharing in the fields of healthy ageing, longevity, and family-centered care, as well as the organization’s programs and initiatives in these areas.
He stated that improving older persons’ quality of life requires moving beyond approaches focused solely on providing support and adopting community-based, participatory, and empowerment-oriented models in which older persons are part of the solution to social challenges.
Welcoming interactive and dialogue-based sessions at international scientific events, Hosseini added that international experience-sharing is most effective when it goes beyond presenting programs and achievements to include examining strengths and weaknesses, encouraging critical perspectives, and proposing improvements. The objective, he said, should be to translate successful experiences into policies and operational programs adapted to each country’s circumstances.
Expanding Mehr and Dialogue Centers to Reduce Loneliness Among Older Persons
Highlighting the importance of social relationships in later life, the head of the State Welfare Organization noted that assessments of older persons’ circumstances indicate that loneliness, alongside financial difficulties and health-related concerns, is a major challenge for this population. In some of the organization’s surveys, he added, older persons identified loneliness as an even greater concern than financial problems and illness.
Hosseini continued that, in response to this need, 840 Mehr and Dialogue Centers had been established this year to provide social gathering spaces for older persons and expand social interaction. The organization aims to increase the number of these centers to 3,000 by the end of the year.
He explained that these centers should provide a foundation for social activities and voluntary participation. Under its community-based programs, the organization has designed 15 types of activities, some targeting older persons and others focusing on groups such as young people and women. These initiatives can promote intergenerational interaction, increase social participation, and strengthen social capital within neighborhoods.
“Caring Hands”: Connecting Older Persons’ Experience with Children’s Needs
Referring to the “Caring Hands” initiative as an example of the organization’s intergenerational programs, Hosseini explained that assessments had identified older persons who, despite enjoying good health and the ability to participate in society, lacked sufficient family contact and companionship. At the same time, children living in SWO residential care centers often lack parental support.
He added that the initiative seeks to establish supportive and emotional bonds between these two groups. The program has been launched in 91 centers, and preliminary assessments indicate that it is fostering mutual appreciation and a sense of being cared for among older persons and children.
The head of the State Welfare Organization emphasized that, in addition to addressing some of the emotional needs of both groups, such programs can help bridge the generational gap, foster empathy, and promote meaningful social relationships.
Salam Mahalle: Mobilizing Existing Community Resources for Social Empowerment
Outlining the organization’s approach to its neighborhood-based social health program, known as Salam Mahalle (Hello Neighborhood), Hosseini stated that 3,000 neighborhoods have been identified as platforms for expanding social activities.
He explained that the program does not aim to establish new infrastructure in every neighborhood. Instead, it focuses on mobilizing existing resources and identifying each neighborhood’s social assets.
Schools during afternoon hours, mosques, neighborhood community centers, day centers for older persons, and other local facilities can serve as venues for social programs. Rather than focusing exclusively on deficiencies, this approach identifies existing strengths and resources and creates opportunities for public participation tailored to each neighborhood’s circumstances.
Hosseini added that older persons can also serve as facilitators within this framework, using their experience and capabilities to strengthen local connections. Accordingly, the organization is seeking to expand Mehr and Dialogue Centers as a community-based initiative within the broader Salam Mahalle program.
Addressing the concept of time banking in elderly care, he said that relevant guidelines had been developed and pilot implementation had begun in two to three areas of Tehran. The organization is interested in drawing on other countries’ experiences to refine the model and prepare for its wider implementation. Time banking can help organize voluntary capacities and facilitate the delivery of community-based services.
He further noted that time banking has been incorporated into the framework of obligations related to elderly care under Iran’s Seventh National Development Plan. In preparing the relevant guidelines, efforts have been made to broaden the model’s scope of application, although older persons remain the program’s primary priority.
The Family: A Cornerstone of Social Cohesion and Elderly Care
Emphasizing the family’s central role in ageing policies, Hosseini stated that families are among the principal foundations of social cohesion, stability, and continuity. Older persons and family elders can make valuable contributions to passing on experience, strengthening values, and reinforcing relationships among family members.
He added that elderly care policies should recognize that care is not limited to the provision of specialized services. Maintaining family relationships, ensuring social support, and enabling older persons to participate actively in society are equally essential.
Referring to the importance of learning from other countries’ experiences in long-term and family-centered care, Hosseini said that international exchanges can help identify suitable models for strengthening families, increasing older persons’ participation, and developing services tailored to their needs.
Changing Society’s Perception of Ageing
Hosseini identified changing society’s perception of ageing as another priority, noting that many societies are experiencing a decline in the social value attributed to older age.
He stressed the need to reverse this trend and move away from perpetuating stereotypes that portray older persons as isolated, incapable, or unable to make meaningful contributions to society.
Highlighting older persons’ potential across social, cultural, and economic fields, he noted that they can actively participate in neighborhood initiatives, community organizations, cultural activities, and intergenerational engagement. These capacities, he said, must be reflected in policymaking, with appropriate opportunities created for older persons to participate meaningfully in society.
Referring to initiatives recognizing active older persons on the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons, Hosseini stated that on September 30, 11 older persons active in fields including writing, the arts, and sports were recognized. The initiative aimed to highlight their capabilities and promote a more realistic and positive understanding of later life.
Emphasizing the role of art in improving older persons’ quality of life, he noted that artistic activities can enrich leisure time, increase social interaction, and strengthen social capital within neighborhoods. Older artists can also contribute to activating Mehr and Dialogue Centers and expanding cultural and social programs.
The Silver Economy: Opportunities for Participation and Activities Aligned with Older Persons’ Interests
Highlighting the economic potential of later life, Hosseini stated that ageing should not necessarily mean the end of social and economic activity. A substantial portion of an individual’s life continues after retirement, and appropriate opportunities can enable older persons to draw on their experience, skills, and capabilities during this stage.
He explained that the silver economy is not solely about increasing employment among older persons. It should also create opportunities for individuals to engage in activities suited to their interests, abilities, and physical and psychological circumstances, while enhancing their independence, satisfaction, and quality of life.
Referring to recent developments in this area, Hosseini said that a comprehensive silver economy roadmap covering 14 sectors had been unveiled on September 30. An international silver economy exhibition is also scheduled for December 9. These initiatives can help showcase the economic potential associated with population ageing and promote activities suited to the needs and capabilities of older persons.
Older Persons: An Asset for Social Resilience and Cohesion
Hosseini further emphasized the importance of strengthening older persons’ role in responding to challenging social circumstances. Through sharing their experience, supporting family members, participating in voluntary activities, and reinforcing local relationships, older persons can contribute to greater social resilience.
He added that when societies face crises and various hardships, older persons should not be viewed solely as a group requiring support. Their potential to strengthen social solidarity and preserve family and community ties must also be recognized.
In conclusion, the head of the State Welfare Organization highlighted the value of participating in international scientific events on ageing, describing them as opportunities for learning, exchanging experiences, and exploring successful approaches adopted by other countries.
He emphasized that the organization aims to draw on new knowledge and international experience to implement more effective programs that promote social health, strengthen family-centered care, expand older persons’ participation, and improve their quality of life across Iran.
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