Myanmar: National policy needed for growing number of senior citizens
Source: Asia Insurance Review | Jan 2017
The Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement is working to draft a national policy for the growing number of people aged over 60.
The government has discussed plans to provide a state pension to citizens over the age of 65, said Mr Aung Kyaw Moe, director of the Department of Social Welfare.
According to projections based on 2015-16 census figures, there are 4.75 million over 60s in Myanmar, or just over 9% of the population, reported Myanmar Times. The UN Population Fund estimates that by 2030, the elderly will represent 15% of the population, rising to 25% by 2050.
Mr Aung Kyaw Moe, said that while some programmes are already in place for the elderly, “Myanmar is the only ASEAN country which has yet to put in place laws and policies for the aged”.