The world’s demographic landscape is undergoing a profound transformation as birth rates decline and life expectancy increases. According to the World Health Organization, the global population aged 60 and older reached 1.1 billion in 2023, a figure projected to nearly double to 2.1 billion by 2050. This shift is prompting nations to rethink how they structure housing, healthcare, and social support to ensure that longer lives are also healthier and more independent.
Gerontologist Hatice Selin Irmak Yasar, an associate professor at Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, emphasizes that preparing for an aging society is a lifelong policy issue. She notes that today’s young and middle-aged individuals will eventually become the older generation, meaning demographic planning must be proactive. Yasar argues that aging should not be viewed as a burden but as a fundamental aspect of human development that requires integrated social, housing, and transport strategies.
Different countries are adopting distinct models to address these challenges. Switzerland currently leads the Global Aging Society Index, which evaluates how well 143 nations adapt to demographic changes. Meanwhile, Türkiye is focusing on community-based care, and Japan is increasingly leveraging technology to support its elderly population.
In Türkiye, the strategy emphasizes keeping older people within their own homes and neighborhoods. The Elderly Support Programme, known as YADES, is a cornerstone of this effort, providing home-based care, daytime assistance, and social engagement opportunities through local municipalities. For many, this support is vital. Faik Uluocak, a resident of the Mesudiye district in Ordu, credits the Ordu Metropolitan Municipality for providing essential care that was previously unavailable, noting that staff assistance simplifies daily life.
The Turkish government has also established 42 Active Life Centres as of the end of 2025, serving approximately 128,000 beneficiaries. These centers help seniors maintain daily routines and social connections. Additionally, the National Vefa Programme offers direct assistance to those struggling with personal care. These initiatives are critical, as the proportion of Türkiye’s population aged 65 and over—which stood at 10.6 percent in 2023—is projected to climb to 17.9 percent by 2040 and reach 27 percent by 2060.
Yasar stresses that remaining in familiar surroundings is essential for preserving a sense of belonging and security. She asserts that a home should not be a boundary for an older person, but rather a safe starting point for social connection. This philosophy is reflected in the development of housing alternatives that prioritize independence over institutional care.
Switzerland provides a model for this approach, particularly in the canton of Bern. A 2025 study published in the journal Cities highlights how urban projects in Belp, Bolligen, and Zollikofen are facilitating “ageing in place.” In Belp, a former industrial site was transformed into a complex featuring 34 care beds and 13 age-friendly apartments. These units include emergency call systems and access to shared kitchens, hobby rooms, and fitness areas. Located near public transit, the project allows residents to remain active and connected to their community. Data shows that only 18 percent of people aged 80 and over in the canton of Bern currently reside in institutional facilities, underscoring the success of these community-integrated housing models.
In Bolligen, the municipality partnered with a housing cooperative to create affordable, age-appropriate living spaces. This project includes 41 independent apartments alongside communal social spaces. Yasar emphasizes that such housing must go beyond basic accessibility features like elevators; it must foster an environment where residents can maintain their social relationships and routines.
Japan is taking a different path by integrating advanced technology into its care systems. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is actively promoting the development of robotics and specialized care technologies. These innovations are designed to alleviate the physical burden on care workers while simultaneously enhancing the autonomy of older individuals, ensuring they can manage their daily lives with greater ease.
Ultimately, the challenge of an aging world requires a multifaceted approach. Whether through Türkiye’s community-based social programs, Switzerland’s focus on age-friendly urban design, or Japan’s investment in care robotics, the goal remains the same: creating environments that support dignity, independence, and social participation for the world’s growing elderly population. The report also notes that “We couldn’t find this kind of support in the past. The report also notes that they come to my home for dialysis and provide transportation. The report also notes that this share is expected to rise to 17.9 percent in 2040 and 27 percent in 2060, according to projections by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUİK ). The report also notes that this shift does not simply mean that more care services will be needed. The report also notes that however, the high price of age-friendly housing makes it difficult to expand such projects to a wider population. The report also notes that covering mobility assistance, fall and movement monitoring, communication, home-care monitoring, nutrition support and living with dementia, these technologies extend beyond robots.
Source: TRT World
