Assessing the Need for Geriatric Care in Uzbekistan Before the Demographic Wave

What is it about?

This study analyzes how the population of Uzbekistan has changed from 2010 to 2024 and what this means for the country’s future health-care needs. Although the population is growing fast, Uzbekistan is still a young country — only about 5–6 percent of people are aged 65 or older. Using official statistics, the study forecasts that by 2025 there will be about 2.2 million older adults. It compares this demographic shift with the available number of doctors, hospital beds, and clinics to understand whether the country needs a separate geriatric service or can integrate geriatric care into existing hospitals and family medicine.

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Photo by Joel Heard on Unsplash

Photo by Joel Heard on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Population ageing is one of the main global challenges of the 21st century. Many low- and middle-income countries are ageing before their health systems are fully prepared. Uzbekistan has time to plan ahead: the proportion of older adults is still moderate, but chronic diseases are already responsible for most deaths. This paper provides evidence to help policymakers decide how to strengthen primary care, train doctors in geriatric skills, and balance resources between the young majority and the growing older population.

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