Kyrgyzstan Faces Rising Elderly Population
At the beginning of 2025, the share of Kyrgyzstan’s population aged 65 and older reached 6%, totaling around 440,000 people.
In early 2024, this figure stood at 5.7% (407,900 people), according to the National Statistics Committee, cited by Kabar Agency.
The increase is linked to the large cohort born in the 1950s–1960s entering retirement age. According to UN classification, if the share of people over 65 exceeds 4%, a country is considered to be on the threshold of aging. Projections suggest that by 2030, the elderly population in Kyrgyzstan will approach 7%.
As of September 1, 2025, there were 813,538 pensioners in the country, with 642,959 receiving age-related pensions.
Nazgul Cholumova, head of the Department for Elderly and Disabled Affairs at the Ministry of Labor, Social Protection and Migration, noted that under Kyrgyz law, women are considered elderly from age 58 and men from 63. However, many in this age group remain able to work. Currently, 769,000 citizens receive pensions through the Social Fund, while about 2,000 receive social benefits via the ministry.
Since 2019, a state plan to improve the quality of life of older citizens has been in effect. In 2023, the “Accessible Country” program was introduced, targeting people with disabilities, the elderly, and pregnant women.
Life expectancy in Kyrgyzstan is currently 66 years for men and 74 years for women, significantly lower than in Japan, where it stands at 84–86 years.
According to Cholumova, by 2030 Kyrgyzstan will be among the “aging nations,” which will increase pressure on social and healthcare systems. Already, there is a shortage of social workers and a growing waiting list for specialized care facilities.
She emphasized the importance of developing elderly care centers, promoting active and healthy lifestyles, and encouraging personal responsibility for health and financial independence to prevent the elderly from becoming a burden on families and the state.
