Myanmar celebrated International Day of Older Persons yesterday with a ceremony in Nay Pyi Taw, led by Union Minister Dr Soe Win.
The event highlighted Myanmar’s shifting demographics, with the population of people aged 60 and over now making up 12% of the country. By 2050, that number is expected to grow to 20% of the total population, or roughly 13 million people. This trend is driven by longer life expectancies and a declining birth rate.
To address the needs of its ageing population, the government is implementing support programs, including financial aid for aged care homes and a nationwide social pension. This financial year, over 121,000 individuals aged 85 and above will receive a six-month pension, with a total budget exceeding K7.2 billion.
As part of the ceremony, the nation’s oldest man and woman were each honored with an award of K1 million. Attendees were also shown a video on elderly care initiatives before the Minister and officials presented gifts and donations to the older persons present.
