Recent statistics reveal that the elderly population in the Maldives has reached 20,500, according to a report released by the Ministry of Housing, Land and Urban Development in connection with the International Day for Older Persons, celebrated annually on October 1.
The report indicates that there are currently 10,530 elderly men and 10,023 elderly women in the country, making up five percent of the total population. Among this demographic, 63 percent are aged between 65 and 74, while nine percent are over the age of 85.
The breakdown of the elderly population by age group is as follows:
- Aged 65-74:
- Females: 6,335
- Males: 6,668
- Aged 75-84:
- Females: 2,935
- Males: 2,839
- Over 85:
- Females: 753
- Males: 1,023
The highest concentration of the elderly population resides in the capital, Male' City, with 6,669 individuals. Addu City follows with 1,802 elderly residents, while Haa Dhaalu Atoll has a population of 1,303 elderly individuals.
Additional statistics show that 60 percent of the elderly population in the Maldives are married, 11 percent are divorced, 20 percent are widowed, and 1 percent have never been married.
A study conducted by the Maldives National University (MNU) in 2020 highlights that over 50 percent of the elderly experience loneliness and depression. This underscores the urgent need for support systems and programs to address mental health concerns among older individuals. The study recommends training health workers to visit communities where the elderly reside to provide necessary care, emphasizing that the responsibility for this initiative should be shared among health workers and relevant agencies.
