Ageing with Dignity: Maldives Sets a New Standard for Older Citizens

The Maldives is undergoing a demographic transition, with its population ageing rapidly. This shift brings both challenges and opportunities that touch every aspect of society.

On 17 September 2025, the Ministry of Social and Family Development, in partnership with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), marked a major milestone in addressing this transition with the launch of the Maldives’ National Policy on the Elderly. More than just a document, the policy is a commitment to ensure that older citizens are not left behind.

The launch ceremony, attended by national leaders, development partners, and civil society representatives, carried a sense of both urgency and hope. UN Resident Coordinator to the Maldives, Mr. Hao Zhang, opened the event by emphasizing the broader regional context:

 “Population ageing is a megatrend in Asia and the Pacific. The Maldives is acting at a critical time, ensuring that older persons can age with dignity, security, and inclusion.”

The demographic shift in the Maldives is striking. Currently, about 8% of the population is aged 60 and above, a proportion expected to more than triple to 32% by 2050. This growth reflects decades of progress in health care, education, and social development, but it also highlights the urgent need for policies that respond to the evolving needs of older citizens.

Minister of Social and Family Development, Dr. Aishath Shiham, articulated the vision behind the policy: 

“We are building a compassionate society where older people live empowered lives, participate actively in their communities, and do not have to rely on others for their wellbeing.”

The policy lays out a comprehensive framework to promote active and healthy ageing. It emphasizes access to high-quality health care, long-term care services, and lifelong learning. It also strengthens income security through social protection, pensions, and opportunities for economic participation, ensuring that older citizens remain both financially independent and socially engaged.

Among the policy’s most innovative features is the creation of “Isravvehinge Naadhee”- social centres designed specifically for the elderly. These centres will provide safe, inclusive spaces for older people to connect, learn, and thrive.

The launch is just the beginning. A validation workshop, held on 17–18 September, finalized the National Action Plan on Ageing, translating the policy’s vision into concrete, actionable steps. Supported by UNESCAP facilitating the discussions, participants aligned the action plan with international frameworks such as the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, the Maldives is reinforcing its commitment to global standards of dignity, inclusion, and social protection.  

The policy and related action plan also reinforce UN Maldives’ commitment to supporting the Government and society in ensuring dignity, inclusion, and empowerment for all generations. The policy and action plan of the Maldives, along with similar documents from across the region, will soon be accessible through the UNESCAP website https://www.population-trends-asiapacific.org/.

As the Maldives celebrates 60 years of United Nations membership, and the UN marks its 80th anniversary, this initiative serves as a timely reminder of a shared responsibility: today’s youth are tomorrow’s elders. By acting now, the Maldives is preparing a future where ageing is not feared but embraced.