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Rabat – Morocco is experiencing a notable demographic shift, with traditional family structures changing due to families having fewer children and life expectancy increasing. These changes will inevitably affect how we take care of each other, especially the elderly, and how our society stays strong and connected.
Many families are now much smaller, and younger generations often move to cities or abroad for work or school. At the same time, more and more people are entering old age. As this happens, Morocco needs more than ever to prepare and think differently about how care is provided and how to support both families and older adults.
One such step includes looking at examples from other countries that have adopted smart and practical approaches to support their aging population.
Understanding the challenge
Morocco’s population is aging, with people now living longer thanks to better healthcare and living conditions. While increased life expectancy is a positive development, it also brings new challenges and care needs that must be addressed.
According to the Moroccan High Commission of Planning (HCP), the number of people over 60 is expected to double by 2050. At the same time, families are having fewer children. The average number of children per woman has dropped from over five in the 1980s to around 2.4 today.
These changes mean that fewer young people will be available to care for a growing elderly population. Traditional systems where older family members lived with younger ones and were supported by them are slowly disappearing. More people are moving to urban areas or abroad, and the nuclear family is becoming more common, which means that elderly parents are often left behind, sometimes alone or without enough support.
Several countries around the world are facing similar challenges. While their situations may differ, their solutions can offer valuable lessons for Morocco.
Learning from global examples
Japan, one of the world’s oldest societies, has responded to its rapidly aging population by establishing a national long-term care insurance (LTCI) system designed to promote dignity, autonomy, and quality of life for older adults.
Introduced in 2000, the LTCI system enables elderly individuals to access a wide range of services, such as in-home assistance, adult day care, and short-stay facilities, tailored to their specific needs and conditions.
These services are provided by certified professionals and funded through a combination of public financing and mandatory contributions from citizens aged 40 and over. This shift from traditional family-based caregiving and institutionalization aims to relieve the burden on families and create a system that empowers users to remain in their communities while receiving coordinated medical and social support.
Sweden also provides one of the most comprehensive public elder care systems in the world. A significant proportion of older adults either reside in specially designed assisted living facilities or receive regular in-home support, including help with daily activities, personal care, and medical needs.
These services are primarily funded through taxation and are delivered by professionally trained staff under the oversight of municipal governments. Sweden’s model places a strong emphasis on enabling older people to age in place for as long as possible, with care plans tailored to individual needs and preferences.
South Korea has introduced creative programs where young people live with elderly people in exchange for reduced rent. One such initiative, launched in Seoul in 2012, is a home sharing program where seniors offer affordable rent, or sometimes even free accommodation, to university students in exchange for companionship and light help with daily tasks.
Bridging generations
These arrangements are designed to foster family-like bonds, reduce isolation, and allow elderly people to age in place safely. Evaluations show that participants, especially older adults, report improved mental well-being and a stronger sense of security.
Nationwide data in South Korea reinforces the urgency of such programs. Around 20% of elderly Koreans live alone, and this group is at much higher risk of depression and even suicide, the latter being one of the highest rates in the OECD for seniors. Studies show that older adults living with even one or two other people are significantly less likely to suffer from depression.
Similar intergenerational housing models have been growing in Canada, often supported by universities or non-profits. Seniors with spare rooms are matched with young adults or students who offer help with chores or companionship in exchange for reduced rent. Surveys from programs in British Columbia indicate that these arrangements provide affordable housing and meaningful social interaction for seniors who may otherwise go weeks without social contact.
Canada also promotes intergenerational community centers where people of different ages participate in joint activities like arts classes, sports, tutoring, and storytelling. These spaces are designed to break down generational stereotypes and foster empathy. Evaluations of such programs show that participants consistently report high satisfaction, emotional connection, and a sense of belonging.
A policy roadmap for Morocco
Morocco needs a clear and coordinated national plan on aging to face the future with confidence. This plan should include the development of a long-term strategy to support older adults and their caregivers. Reliable data collection on aging trends, care needs, and family dynamics is also essential to ensure that policies are grounded in evidence.
Drawing inspiration from these approaches, Morocco could invest in small, local care centers where elderly people can spend the day or live when necessary. These centers would provide essential care services and offer a sense of community, especially for seniors who may be isolated or without family support.
To make these services affordable and sustainable, the government could partner with NGOs and local councils. At the same time, Morocco should focus on training more caregivers, especially young people and people with limited employment opportunities, which would create jobs while meeting an urgent social need.
Investing in the care economy is key step, including recognizing the value of unpaid care work and offering professional training and job opportunities in elder care and disability services. Public-private partnerships could play a role in expanding care infrastructure across urban and rural areas alike.
In addition, Morocco must expand social protection systems to ensure all elderly people, including those who worked in the informal sector, have access to healthcare and pensions. The country could explore forms of care insurance or financial support for families who provide at-home care for elderly relatives.
Urban planning and housing policies should also become more age-inclusive. This means designing homes and neighborhoods that are safe, accessible, and suited to the needs of seniors. Mixed-age housing and intergenerational living models like those of Canada and South Korea can also help reduce loneliness and strengthen community ties.
Above all, promoting education and civic engagement will be essential to changing mindsets around aging. Schools can teach children about the value of caring for others, and community programs can encourage young people to volunteer with seniors and offer companionship or help with daily tasks.
