Population and Development Report Issue No. 8: Prospects of Ageing with Dignity in the Arab Region

The number and share of older persons in the Arab region are steadily growing and will increase substantially in the following decades. The advent of this ageing transition, which most Arab countries will start experiencing before 2030, has important economic and social implications, especially given that weak and non-inclusive social protection systems leave many older persons vulnerable to poverty, ill health and isolation.

This report provides a demographic overview of Arab countries and describes the process of population ageing in the region. It further analyses the socioeconomic conditions of the current generation of older persons and assesses projected circumstances of future generations, including healthcare and pension coverage. It also highlights the two‑way intergenerational support between older persons and their families and warns of the potential impact of changing social dynamics. To help Arab Governments start to plan now for today’s and tomorrow’s elderly population, this report provides actionable, concrete and comprehensive recommendations.

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