As birth rates decline and life expectancy climbs, the world is undergoing a significant demographic transformation. According to the World Health Organization, the global population aged 60 and over reached 1.1 billion in 2023, a figure projected to nearly double to 2.1 billion by 2050. This shift is prompting governments to move beyond traditional institutional care, focusing instead on housing, transportation, and social infrastructure that allows individuals to remain independent as they age.
Gerontologist Hatice Selin Irmak Yasar, an associate professor at Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, emphasizes that aging must be viewed as a lifelong policy issue rather than a challenge confined to one’s later years. “Today’s young and middle-aged people will become tomorrow’s older generations,” she notes. Yasar argues that home environments should serve as a secure foundation for connecting with the broader community, rather than acting as a boundary that isolates the elderly.
Different nations are adopting unique strategies to address these changes. The Global Aging Society Index, which evaluates 143 countries on their adaptation to demographic shifts, currently ranks Switzerland first. Meanwhile, Türkiye is focusing on community-based support systems, and Japan is integrating advanced robotics and technology to assist care workers and enhance the independence of older citizens.
In Türkiye, the demographic landscape is evolving rapidly. The population aged 65 and over, which stood at 10.6 percent in 2023, is expected to grow to 17.9 percent by 2040 and reach 27 percent by 2060, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute. To manage this, the government has implemented several initiatives, such as the Elderly Support Programme (YADES), which provides home-based care and social assistance through local municipalities.
Faik Uluocak, a resident of the Mesudiye district in Ordu, highlights the impact of these local efforts, noting that municipal support has made daily life significantly more manageable. Beyond home care, the Ministry of Family and Social Services operates 42 Active Life Centres across the country. These facilities are designed to help seniors maintain daily routines and social connections. Additionally, the National Vefa Programme has provided essential personal care and assistance to approximately 128,000 beneficiaries.
Switzerland’s approach centers on the concept of “ageing in place,” ensuring that housing is adapted to meet the evolving needs of the elderly. A 2025 study published in the journal Cities examined successful housing projects in the Swiss municipalities of Belp, Bolligen, and Zollikofen. These developments prioritize accessibility and social integration, with the study noting that only 18 percent of residents aged 80 and over in the canton of Bern currently live in institutional care facilities.
In Belp, a former industrial site was transformed into a residential project featuring 34 care beds and 13 age-friendly apartments equipped with emergency call systems and shared social spaces. Similarly, in Bolligen, the municipality provided public land to a housing cooperative to create affordable, age-appropriate living units. This project includes 41 independent apartments alongside communal kitchens, hobby rooms, and fitness areas, fostering an environment where residents can maintain their independence while staying connected to their neighbors.
Yasar stresses that effective age-friendly housing must incorporate more than just physical modifications like elevators or accessible bathrooms. It requires a holistic design that preserves social relationships and routines. By integrating care services directly into residential areas, countries can help older adults maintain a sense of control and belonging, ensuring that their homes remain a starting point for active participation in society. The report also notes that but preparing for an ageing population is not simply about expanding services for older people. The report also notes that “We couldn’t find this kind of support in the past. The report also notes that the staff’s help also makes things easier. The report also notes that developing alternatives to institutional care is also becoming an important part of policy approaches, as the older population grows.
