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Turkey Unveils Ambitious Elderly-Friendly Model Amid Demographic Shift

Turkey has announced a comprehensive 'Elderly-Friendly Turkey Model' to address its rapidly aging population. The initiative prioritizes community-based care over institutional solutions, integrating home support, digital literacy, and daytime centers to enhance seniors' quality of life.

2 min readLevel 7April 24, 2026

By Flalingo Editorial Team

Vocabulary

Study these words before reading the article. Click the audio button to hear pronunciation.

imperative

/ɪmˈperətɪv/

noun

An urgent or essential need that demands immediate action or attention

“The demographic imperative of an aging population compels governments to reform their social welfare systems.”

paradigm

/ˈpærədaɪm/

noun

A model or pattern that serves as an example for how something should be done or understood

“The community-based care approach represents a new paradigm in elderly support services.”

alleviate

/əˈliːvieɪt/

verb

To make a problem, burden, or suffering less severe or intense

“Home care programs can significantly alleviate the pressure on overcrowded nursing facilities.”

constitute

/ˈkɒnstɪtjuːt/

verb

To make up or form a particular proportion or part of a whole

“Senior citizens now constitute a growing share of the national population in many developing countries.”

proactively

/prəʊˈæktɪvli/

adverb

In a way that creates or controls a situation rather than merely responding after it occurs

“Governments that act proactively on demographic trends tend to achieve better outcomes for their citizens.”

fiscal

/ˈfɪskəl/

adjective

Relating to government revenue, public money, or financial matters of the state

“The rising cost of elderly care poses a serious fiscal challenge for many national budgets.”

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Article

Click on any underlined word to see its definition. Highlighted words are from the vocabulary section.

Seldom has a nation confronted demographic transformation with such decisive policy action as Turkey has recently demonstrated. At the 2nd Aging Council held in Ankara, Minister Göktaş formally unveiled the Elderly-Friendly Turkey Model. Themed 'Walking to the future together with our great plane trees,' the council signaled a fundamental shift in strategy. The government now aims to keep elderly citizens integrated within their families and communities rather than isolated.

The demographic imperative behind this initiative is striking. According to the World Health Organization, the global population aged sixty and above will reach 1.4 billion by 2030. By 2050, that figure is projected to surge to 2.1 billion worldwide. In Turkey specifically, the population aged sixty-five and older is expected to constitute 11.1 percent by 2025.

What distinguishes this model from conventional approaches is its emphasis on home-based and community-centered care. The Home Care Assistance program currently supports 114,823 elderly individuals living with their families. Furthermore, the National Loyalty Program provides personal care for 132,000 senior citizens directly in their residences. The YADES Elderly Support Program has reached 164,169 people through 123 projects across 86 municipalities.

Turkey's institutional infrastructure nonetheless remains substantial, with 176 state nursing homes housing 14,969 residents. An additional 291 private nursing homes accommodate 13,614 individuals across the country. Currently, 42 Daytime Active Life Centers operate nationwide, and eight new nursing homes are planned for this year. Moreover, 1,923 elderly citizens have received digital and financial literacy training through dedicated programs.

The broader implications of this policy shift merit careful consideration by other aging societies. Had Turkey not acted proactively, the strain on its healthcare system would have been considerably more severe. This integrated approach, combining institutional capacity with community-based solutions, may serve as a viable paradigm. Not only does it preserve the dignity of senior citizens, but it also alleviates the fiscal burden on the state.

Comprehension Quiz

Test your understanding of the article with these multiple-choice questions.

1
What is the primary objective of Turkey's Elderly-Friendly Model?
2
According to the WHO projections cited in the article, what will the global 60+ population reach by 2050?
3
How many elderly individuals does the Home Care Assistance program currently support?
4
How many Daytime Active Life Centers are currently operational in Turkey?
5
What broader significance does the author attribute to Turkey's policy shift?

Discussion

Answer these comprehension questions about the article.

1
According to the article, what is the central philosophy behind Turkey's Elderly-Friendly Model compared to traditional approaches?
2
The author suggests that Turkey's demographic situation demands urgent action. What statistical evidence supports this claim?
3
What evidence does the passage provide to demonstrate the scale of Turkey's community-based care programs?
4
According to the article, how does the YADES program differ from the Home Care Assistance and National Loyalty programs in its scope?
5
The author implies that Turkey's integrated approach could serve as a model for other nations. What specific elements make this argument persuasive?

Further Discussion

Share your opinions on these open-ended questions.

1
To what extent should governments prioritize home-based care over institutional nursing homes, and what are the potential drawbacks of each approach?
2
In your view, how might digital literacy training transform the daily lives of elderly citizens, and what challenges could arise in its implementation?
3
Some argue that caring for the elderly is primarily a family responsibility rather than a government obligation. To what extent do you agree with this perspective?
4
How does your own culture or country approach elderly care, and what improvements would you advocate for based on what you have read?
5
If you were designing an elderly-friendly policy for your community, which elements from Turkey's model would you adopt and which would you modify?