Rabat – Morocco is entering a critical demographic stage marked by rapid population aging, raising serious concerns over the country’s preparedness to ensure the social, health, and economic well-being of its elderly.
On Wednesday, the Economic, Social, and Environmental Council (CESE) presented its annual report, warning that public policies have so far failed to adequately address the needs of older citizens.
Titled “Social and Economic Integration of Elderly Persons in Morocco,” the report notes that Morocco is approaching the third stage of demographic transition, a phase already experienced by industrialized nations such as Spain and Japan.
Abdelkader Aamara, president of the council, said the share of people aged 60 and above rose from 9.4% in 2014 to 13.8% in 2024, equivalent to more than five million Moroccans. Within this group, 58.6% are between 60 and 69 years old, while 41.4% are 70 or older.
Aamara stressed that the elderly population is far from homogeneous. Some older Moroccans remain independent, financially stable, and socially active, continuing to contribute to economic life. Others, however, suffer varying levels of dependency caused by illness, disability, or advanced age, requiring tailored social and medical care.
The CESE report criticized current public policies for treating the elderly as a uniform, vulnerable category in need of social protection alone. This approach, the council argued, overlooks the diverse social and economic realities of Morocco’s older citizens.
While the National Action Plan for Active Ageing 2023–2030 sets ambitious goals, the council identified multiple barriers hindering progress. Economically, 52.4% of elderly people lack a stable income, and among those who do, only 49.2% benefit from retirement pensions.
Social factors compound the challenge. Illiteracy remains widespread at 71.6% among those over 60. Many elderly face isolation, exposure to violence, and limited access to cultural, leisure, or sporting opportunities. Infrastructure adapted to their needs is largely absent.
Institutional support is also insufficient, notes the report. It deplores that Morocco currently counts only 72 welfare institutions dedicated to the elderly, an inadequate number given the scale of demographic changes.
These facilities largely depend on donations, face limited state support, and struggle with shortages of qualified staff as well as governance and management difficulties.
The CESE stressed the urgency of rethinking how Morocco integrates its aging population into social and economic development. Beyond addressing financial insecurity and healthcare needs, policies must reflect the diversity of elderly citizens’ experiences, enabling them to remain active contributors to society rather than passive recipients of aid.
With Morocco’s demographic curve bending toward old age, the report serves as a warning that the country’s future resilience depends on whether it can protect and empower one of its most vulnerable – yet still potentially dynamic – social groups.
