Poverty in Iran has reached a critical point, resulting in a distressing trend where numerous families are compelled to abandon their elderly members in parks, areas known for drug activity, and welfare centers. Social activists and several officials have noted a significant increase in such occurrences.
According to Mohammad Esmaeili Mahjoub, head of Tehran Municipality’s department for managing social issues, there has been a concerning rise in cases of abandoned elderly individuals. He revealed that since the start of the year, approximately 25 cases have been encountered by their organization in the capital alone.
Fatemeh Abbasi, deputy responsible for rehabilitation affairs at the national welfare organization, has also voiced alarm over the surge in homelessness, particularly among the elderly and mentally ill. She stated that many of these vulnerable individuals are left on the streets by families who can no longer afford their care.
Recent statistics from the Welfare Organization indicate that 3,862 elderly individuals are currently residing in residential care centers with judicial approval.
Experts cited by Ham Mihan, a state-run newspaper, have pinpointed poverty as the primary driver behind the phenomenon of homeless elderly. They emphasize the worsening situation, especially given the growing elderly population in the country.
Hesam al-Din Allameh, a former official and researcher specializing in geriatrics, highlighted financial hardship, inadequate housing, and underlying health conditions as common reasons for elderly abandonment by families.
The surge in this troubling trend coincides with concerns over the limited capacity of the welfare system to accommodate the elderly. Despite efforts by the welfare organization to provide assistance, strict criteria and resource constraints often result in delays or denials, particularly for elderly individuals with addiction issues.
The pervasive inflation in Iran has exacerbated economic challenges, leading to profound social and familial strains. Diminished purchasing power, escalating costs of essential goods, and the erosion of key services such as education and healthcare underscore the far-reaching consequences of poverty in the country.
