The Changing Landscape of Older Adults’ Living Arrangements in Iran

Living arrangements of older people significantly impact their lives and well-being, but no studies to date have examined future changes among older adults in living arrangements in Middle Eastern Asia. This study employs the ProFamy method to project future changes in the living arrangements among older adults aged 65 years and older in Iran during 2016-2051. The results reveal substantial shifts in the living arrangements of older adults. Older households are expected to triple by 2051, especially among those aged 80 years and older. Moreover, over three million older adults are projected to live alone, including about 1.2 million aged 80+. Households comprising older couples with no co-residing kids are projected to triple as well. These trends call for proactive planning and policymaking in Iran, emphasizing the importance of developing a robust medical system, suitable housing, long-term care provision, family caregiver support, and public initiatives promoting active aging.