Tunisia is facing a major demographic transformation. According to the results of the latest census, people over 60 years of age now represent 17% of the population, making it the country with the fastest aging population on the African continent.
In a decade, the number of seniors has increased sharply, forcing authorities to rethink social and health policies to respond to this new reality.
In Tunisian society, the care of the elderly still largely falls to families. Many children continue to assume responsibility for their elderly parents, who are often kept at home until the end of their lives. However, demographic shifts and changing lifestyles are making this task increasingly complex.
The use of home care aides remains limited, while demand continues to grow. Many families struggle to find qualified staff to support their loved ones on a daily basis.
Faced with this situation, geriatric specialists are warning of the need to quickly adapt support structures and care services. At a recent conference on aging in Hammamet, experts emphasized the importance of enabling elderly people to remain in their homes, while also developing support systems for families.
The objective is to preserve the Tunisian family model while drawing inspiration from experiences implemented in other countries facing the same demographic challenge.
Beyond social support, medical issues are also becoming central. To address the growing number of seniors, the Tunisian Ministry of Health has announced the creation of a medical specialty dedicated to geriatrics. This five-year program is scheduled to begin in the next academic year.
With increasing life expectancy and a gradual decline in the birth rate, Tunisia is entering a new phase of its demographic development. This challenge will require significant adaptations in the areas of health, social protection, and family organization.
