The 2025 United Nations International Day of Older Persons focuses on the powerful theme, “Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action,” celebrating the vital role seniors play in building stronger, more equitable societies. Far from being passive, older persons are active drivers of progress, contributing invaluable knowledge and experience in areas like health equity, financial well-being, and human rights.
Globally, the population of people aged 60 and over has more than doubled since 1995, reaching 1.2 billion in 2025 and projected to hit 2.1 billion by 2050. Life expectancy worldwide is now 73.5 years. The number of people aged 80 or over is growing even faster and is expected to surpass the number of infants by the mid-2030s.
In Myanmar, the elderly population is also growing. According to population projections, there are now over 6.5 million people aged 60 and above, with a life expectancy of 66.9 years. To provide crucial income security, the nation has been implementing a social pension programme. Initially launched for those 100 and above, the programme has been progressively expanded over the years. For the 2024-2025 financial year, the pension was provided to citizens aged 85 and above, benefiting a total of 110,796 elderly persons.
This effort is part of the ongoing work by the Myanmar National Committee on Ageing to safeguard the rights of the elderly and ensure they receive collective care and support. As the new generation prepares to lead the nation, they are urged to recognize the rights of the elderly, treat them with respect, and provide collective support. Continued collaboration between all relevant departments and organizations is essential to ensure every elderly person is fully protected and cared for in accordance with the law.
