The Head of the State Welfare Organization of Iran (SWO) and Secretary of the National Council of Older Persons, emphasizing that psychological challenges, feelings of loneliness, and social isolation are among the most significant concerns of older persons in Iran, announced the implementation of the Salam initiative in nearly 3,000 local areas across the country to strengthen social participation and improve older persons’ quality of life.
According to the Public Relations and International Affairs Office of the State Welfare Organization of Iran, the first day of the Asia-Pacific International Conference on Ageing was held in China, bringing together more than 700 participants from countries around the world, including ministers, senior regional officials, and high-level representatives of United Nations agencies, including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
At the conference’s first international panel, Seyed Javad Hosseini, Head of the State Welfare Organization of Iran and Secretary of the National Council of Older Persons, participated as a member of the panel’s presidium and outlined the Islamic Republic of Iran’s policies and initiatives to improve the quality of life of older persons.
Emphasizing the importance of longer lives accompanied by good health and quality of life, Hosseini highlighted the role of community-based approaches in addressing older persons’ needs. Referring to findings from national surveys on ageing in Iran, he stated: “Contrary to common perceptions, psychological challenges, feelings of loneliness, and social isolation are among the primary concerns and priorities of older persons, often taking precedence over economic issues and physical health problems.”
He went on to introduce the Salam initiative as one of Iran’s efforts to address these needs, explaining that the initiative is being implemented in nearly 3,000 local areas nationwide through the capacities of Positive Living Centers, with the support of professional facilitators and community-based practitioners. The initiative encompasses 15 different community-based activities.
The Secretary of the National Council of Older Persons also highlighted the Mehr Dialogue Centers as one of the initiative’s key components. He noted that these centers, which serve as social gathering places for older persons, have received a strong and positive response from their intended participants. They provide opportunities for sharing experiences and skills, reminiscing, and spending leisure time in meaningful and enjoyable ways.
According to Hosseini, in addition to strengthening social interaction, these centers offer older persons and their families practical training on lifestyle improvement, rest and sleep, healthy nutrition, mental health promotion, and, in particular, the prevention of disabilities associated with ageing.
He emphasized that such approaches can help transform perceptions of ageing, shifting it from a stage of life characterized by passivity to one marked by activity, empowerment, and vitality.
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