As Pakistan observed the International Day of Older Persons on Oct 1, 2026, the occasion without doubt prompted more than ceremonial statements. It invited a serious national conversation about what it means to grow old with dignity in a country where families, communities and public institutions are all under increasing pressure. Older persons are too often discussed as dependent relatives rather than citizens. Yet ageing is not a social problem to be managed; it is a stage of life that demands rights, respect and appropriate public support. A lot of older Pakistanis remain active in family life, agriculture, business, community work and voluntary service. Their experience and knowledge are assets that society cannot afford to disregard. The theme of ageing also forces us to confront an uncomfortable reality: traditional family support systems are changing. Urbanization, migration, economic pressures and smaller households can make it all the time more difficult for families to provide the care that previous generations may have taken for granted. At the same time, Pakistan’s social protection, healthcare and elder-care systems remain in short supply for the needs of a growing ageing population. Healthcare deserves particular attention. Older people often require continuous treatment for chronic conditions, rehabilitation, assistive devices and medicines. Access to such care can be especially difficult for people living in rural areas or those dependent on limited household incomes. A health system that focuses overwhelmingly on acute illness cannot adequately respond to the realities of ageing. The challenge is not simply to build more institutions for elderly people. It is to create communities in which older people can remain connected, independent and involved for as long as possible. Age-friendly public spaces, accessible transport, social activities, community health services and protection against financial abuse can make a significant........

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