According to the Public Relations and International Affairs Department of the State Welfare Organization of Iran, the Asia-Pacific International Conference on Ageing was held in China, bringing together more than 700 participants from around the world, including ministers, senior regional officials, and representatives of United Nations agencies, including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Seyed Javad Hosseini, Head of the State Welfare Organization of Iran, attended the conference.
Referring to a visit to a major technology company specializing in artificial intelligence, Hosseini stated: “During this visit, we became acquainted with a range of rehabilitation technologies and devices designed for older persons and persons with disabilities. These products aim to enhance independence, facilitate daily activities, and improve quality of life.”
He added that the products on display included electric wheelchairs with various advanced features, lightweight and smart prosthetic limbs, rehabilitation equipment, and AI-powered tools designed to improve concentration, relaxation, and memory. Technologies supporting natural body movements and activities, concentration-enhancing games, and AI-powered robotic systems were also introduced.
Hosseini noted that the visits were aligned with the main objectives of the conference. Key priorities included the application of emerging technologies in ageing, the development of age-friendly environments, the expansion of comprehensive long-term care, and strengthening the participation of local communities and younger generations in improving older persons’ quality of life.
Referring to a visit to a commercial center specializing in equipment for older persons, he explained that the center offered a variety of clothing, footwear, rehabilitation equipment, assistive devices, and medical supplies tailored to their needs. Some products were designed to be lightweight and durable while making residential environments, workplaces, streets, and public spaces more accessible to older persons and persons with disabilities.
Hosseini emphasized that equipment and facilities enabling older persons to participate independently and safely in home, work, and public settings are essential components of age-friendly environments.
Commenting on discussions with journalists during the visits, he noted that several Iranian knowledge-based companies also manufacture equipment for older persons and persons with disabilities. However, he stressed that expanding international cooperation could facilitate knowledge transfer, improve access to high-quality equipment, and enhance the delivery of services in this field.
The Head of the State Welfare Organization also highlighted initiatives undertaken in Iran, including the establishment of a restaurant for older persons in Hamedan and the promotion of elderly tourism in Shiraz. He emphasized the importance of recognizing and developing the economic and social potential of older persons.
Addressing the silver economy, Hosseini stated that 14 initiatives related to the silver economy had been unveiled on the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons. He added that an employment roadmap for older persons would soon be introduced. Plans are also underway to organize an international silver economy exhibition within the next two months to showcase the sector’s potential and introduce its key stakeholders and activities.
In another part of his remarks, Hosseini outlined the key messages of his speech at the conference’s morning session, describing population ageing as an achievement of health and welfare systems. He explained that increased life expectancy and the growing number of people reaching older age largely reflect the success of these systems. Therefore, ageing itself should not be regarded as the primary challenge; rather, social institutions and structures must be prepared to respond to the needs of people at this stage of life.
Referring to Iran’s demographic transition, he noted that the country’s population is ageing faster than the global average, making it increasingly urgent to move beyond theoretical approaches toward practical planning and action. According to the figures cited, the proportion of Iran’s population aged 65 and over has increased from approximately 9.5 percent in 2016 to around 13 percent. This figure is projected to reach approximately 31 percent by 2051, compared with an estimated global average of 21.5 percent.
Emphasizing the need to transform approaches to services for older persons, Hosseini stated that the focus should shift from service delivery alone toward care, empowerment, and community-based participation. Initiatives such as the SALAM program, the expansion of time banks, and the development of Farzandegan (Wise Elders) associations and other organizations active in the field of ageing can be assessed within this framework.
Hosseini described older persons not merely as a group requiring support, but as individuals with valuable social and economic potential. Through education, skills development, volunteering, appropriate employment opportunities, and social participation, older persons can play an effective role in society. The silver economy, he added, offers significant opportunities to harness their capabilities and experience while creating new economic and social opportunities.
He further stressed the need to pay particular attention to groups of older persons who may be overlooked in policymaking and support programs. “No one should be left behind in the process of development and improving quality of life,” he said. Older women, older persons living in rural areas, older persons with disabilities, and those living alone must be prioritized in policymaking and planning.
In conclusion, Hosseini emphasized that each country should learn from international experiences in ways that reflect its own circumstances and needs, rather than simply copying models developed elsewhere. The ultimate goal is to improve older persons’ quality of life through appropriate policymaking, technological development, stronger social participation, and the creation of supportive and accessible environments.
Your Comment