Designing a Policy Model for Enhancing Social Health of the Elderly

Given the significant increase in the elderly population in many countries, designing effective policy models to enhance the social health of this age group is essential. This article aims to present a comprehensive policy model focused on various dimensions of social health to improve the elderly's status. Its goal is to design efficient policies and offer recommendations to improve the living conditions of the elderly through practical and structural approaches. This study reviews documents, laws, guidelines, and government resolutions and analyzes case studies to identify effective models in elderly social health policymaking. The research employs theoretical frameworks of public policymaking, such as the life-cycle theory and structural approaches, to design efficient models. The study findings highlight that challenges related to aging, across various aspects of social health, necessitate the formulation and implementation of comprehensive, coordinated policies. These policies should encompass institutional, financial, service-oriented, and cultural dimensions to effectively enhance elderly social health. Institutionally, policy formulation should be based on institutional mapping, fostering coordination among various sectors, strengthening executive structures, and enacting appropriate legal provisions to support the elderly. Financially, ensuring sustainable funding and reinforcing pension funds should be primary priorities. From a service perspective, designing elderly-friendly environments, expanding social services, and preventing health problems among the elderly are key focal points requiring careful planning and coordinated action. This study demonstrates that designing comprehensive, coordinated policies tailored to the specific needs of the elderly plays a pivotal role in improving their quality of life and social health. First, intersectoral collaboration between governmental, private, and civil society organizations is crucial for formulating and implementing effective policies. Second, leveraging modern technologies and digitizing services can enhance equitable and timely access to services for the elderly. Finally, adopting successful international experiences and localizing them, combined with a deep understanding of local challenges and opportunities, can result in policies that not only improve elderly social health but also strengthen social cohesion and reduce socioeconomic pressures in the long run.