Supporting Employment, Healthy Aging, and Social Participation of the Elderly

On January 8, 2025, the Senior National Forum took place at the State Palace under the auspices of the Chairman of the State Great Khural (Parliament).

Around 900 senior citizens from 21 aimags and nine districts of the Capital City participated in the National Forum, which was organized by the State Great Khural, the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Protection, and the Mongolian Senior Citizens' Association.

According to a survey by the National Statistics Office, the proportion of elderly people aged 60 and over in Mongolia was 5.4% of the total population in 2000, 9.7% in 2021, and is expected to reach 11.9% by 2030.

The government is working to improve the social protection of the elderly, who have contributed significantly to nation’s development. Efforts include supporting their employment, providing comprehensive long-term social and healthcare services tailored to their needs, and creating a legal and policy environment to enhance their quality of life.

Starting in 2025, pensions will be adjusted annually in line with inflation.

There will also be provisions to increase the pension of the surviving spouses of deceased pensioners.

Around 60% of elderly individuals have pension-backed loans, which are often used to pay tuition fees, purchase housing, or buying cars for their children, rather than for personal needs.

Commercial banks offer pension-backed loans for up to 24 months, securing 100% of the pension, which can lead to financial hardship and increased vulnerability to poverty.

In response, efforts are being made to reduce the loan term and bring the debt-to-income ratio to an appropriate level, with a request made to the Bank of Mongolia.

As part of the social insurance reforms, a multi-tier pension system is being established, including a one-percent supplementary pension scheme, which will allow pensioners to receive pensions from multiple sources.

The law amending the Law on the Elderly will be implemented starting from January 1, 2025. This will improve healthcare and rehabilitation services for the elderly, support active aging, and provide more opportunities for the elderly to contribute their skills and experience to education and in social life.

In the future, through family-centered comprehensive services, elderly people will receive development and social services tailored to their needs, supporting active aging.

Additionally, businesses and organizations with 50 or more employees will be required to allocate at least 2 % of jobs  to elderly workers, excluding those in underground or hazardous work environments.

The government of Mongolia is committed to increasing the social participation and engagement of the elderly, thereby enhancing their quality of life.