Ageing Under Humanitarian and Economic Crises in Iran: Psychological Risks, Social Frailty, and Resilience

Abstract

Background: Iran’s rapid population ageing coincides with economic instability, recurrent disasters, and post-pandemic service disruption, potentially exacerbating depression, anxiety, loneliness, social frailty, and barriers to care. Objectives: To synthesize evidence on psychological vulnerability and resilience among older adults in Iran during overlapping crises. Methods: This focused narrative review searched PubMed/MEDLINE for records published from January 2015 through July 2026 and consulted authoritative sources from the World Health Organization and the United Nations. Iranian evidence was prioritized, and transferable international evidence was used when country-specific data were unavailable. Results: Iranian studies have reported socioeconomic inequalities in depression and anxiety, loneliness, social frailty, disaster vulnerability, and pandemic-associated isolation. Sanctions have reduced access to certain medicines. Family support and community networks are protective but may be weakened by migration, financial strain, and disruptions in services. Conclusions: Age-inclusive responses across mental health, primary care, disaster preparedness, digital inclusion, and social protection are warranted. However, direct longitudinal evidence linking specific crises to mental health outcomes remains limited.