Islamabad: With 13.5 million Pakistanis aged 60 or above, the country must ensure older people remain healthy, financially secure, productive and dignified, public health experts said on Thursday.
The 2023 census puts the 60-plus population at about 5.6 percent. Although Pakistan remains predominantly young, today’s youth will eventually age, making early planning essential.
Speaking on the International Day of Older Persons, Health Services Academy Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Shahzad Ali Khan said longevity should be judged not only by years lived, but by how many were spent in good health and independence.
This year’s theme, “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives,” calls for changes in healthcare, employment, pensions, housing and social protection.
Prof Shahzad Ali Khan said researchers worldwide were studying genetics, epigenetics and regenerative medicine to better understand biological ageing and prevent or delay age-related disease and disability.
For Pakistan, however, the priorities remained controlling diabetes, hypertension and other chronic illnesses, alongside a balanced diet, physical activity, stress management and social engagement.
“People should begin planning for older age while still in their 40s and 50s. Waiting until they reach 60 or retire is often too late,” he said.
Prof Shahzad said retirement could cause a sudden loss of routine, identity, income and social contact, leaving older people vulnerable to loneliness, depression and declining health. Retired professionals should be offered voluntary, advisory and honorary roles so their experience continued to benefit society, he added.
He maintained that public servants generally received pensions and medical benefits, while formal private-sector workers could receive support through the Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution. Coverage, however, remained limited, particularly among informal workers and poorer citizens.
Pakistan’s family system remained an important source of care, he said, but families alone could not meet the growing need for accessible healthcare, income security and community-based support.
“Reaching old age is a blessing. The task now is to help people live those additional years with health, purpose, respect and dignity,” Prof Khan added.
Prof Emeritus Dr Mohammad Iqbal Afridi, a renowned psychiatrist and Director of Research at Jinnah Sindh Medical University, said emotional well-being in old age depended greatly on remaining socially connected, respected and involved in family and community life.
“Retirement should not become social retirement. Older people need a routine, companionship, physical activity and a sense that they are still needed. Prolonged isolation and loss of purpose can increase the risk of depression and declining mental health,” he said.
He urged families not to dismiss persistent sadness, withdrawal, sleep disturbance, memory changes or loss of interest as inevitable consequences of ageing.
“Depression is not a normal part of growing old. Families should seek professional help when an older person becomes persistently withdrawn, hopeless or unable to manage daily life because timely support and treatment can restore quality of life,” Prof Afridi said.