YANGON, Oct. 2 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar held a ceremony to mark the International Day of Older Persons on Wednesday in Nay Pyi Taw, state-owned daily The Mirror reported on Thursday.
Speaking at the event, Union Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Soe Win said that improvements in medical care, health knowledge, and services have contributed to longer life expectancy worldwide, including in Myanmar. As in many other countries, Myanmar is experiencing a steady rise in its elderly population, the report said.
The union minister added that according to the 2024 Population and Housing Census, Myanmar's population is estimated at over 51 million, with more than 6.1 million people aged 60 and above. By 2050, the elderly population is projected to reach around 13 million, the report said.
He also said that the government is providing financial support to nursing homes, introducing technology-based elderly care, and expanding social pension programs nationwide, the report added.
During the event, consumer goods, medical supplies, and donations were also provided to elderly attendees, it added. ■
