Myanmar organized a ceremony in Nay Pyi Taw on Wednesday to commemorate the International Day of Older Persons, according to a report from state-run daily The Mirror on Thursday.
Union Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Soe Win highlighted in his remarks that advances in healthcare, medical knowledge, and related services have helped extend life expectancy both globally and in Myanmar.
Like many other nations, Myanmar is witnessing a gradual increase in the number of older people, the report stated.
Citing data from the 2024 Population and Housing Census, the minister noted that Myanmar’s total population is estimated at over 51 million, with more than 6.1 million citizens aged 60 and above.
The elderly population is projected to reach about 13 million by 2050, the report added.
Soe Win also explained that the government is supporting nursing homes financially, promoting technology-based elder care, and broadening the coverage of social pension schemes nationwide.
The ceremony also featured the distribution of daily necessities, medicines, and donations to senior participants.