Strategic Studies of public policy

Strategic Studies of public policy

Transition from Silent Crisis to Integrated Governance of Ageing in Iran

Document Type : Policy Paper

Author
zohre shahbazi
Assistant Professor, institute for humanities and social studies (IHSS), Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/sspp.2026.2075857.3857
Abstract
Iran is experiencing one of the fastest demographic transitions globally, with over one-quarter of its population projected to be above 60 within two decades. This shift occurs while institutional and financial systems remain unprepared for an aging society. A critical review of Iran’s aging policies across macro, sectoral, and operational levels shows that despite strong legal foundations—such as Article 29 of the Constitution, the General Health and Social Security Policies, and the National Document on Aging—a deep gap persists between normative commitments and policy implementation. The system faces institutional fragmentation, financial instability, and weak operational capacity, defined by three major shortcomings: poor inter-agency coordination, fragile pension funds, and absence of integrated data governance.

Compared with the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA), Iran shows relative progress in health but lags in social participation, enabling environments, and intergenerational justice. To address these deficiencies, the study proposes six strategic pillars: (1) reforming national governance for aging, (2) sustainable and resilient social financing, (3) community-based continuum of care, (4) elderly participation and lifelong learning, (5) age-friendly environments and cities, and (6) smart data-driven governance. Implemented through three progressive phases, these pillars can shift Iran’s aging policy from fragmented, reactive measures to integrated, adaptive, and sustainable governance—where social and intergenerational justice evolve from moral ideals into algorithmic, data-driven principles ensuring that technology and artificial intelligence serve human dignity and older adults’ well-being.
Keywords
Aging"
Social Policy"
Integrated Governance"
Data driven Governance"
"
Artificial Intelligence"
Subjects
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Strategic Studies of public policy
Volume 15, Issue 56
Autumn 2025
Pages 190-211