Approaches to dealing with retirement and old age; From government policies to local capacities

One of the major demographic issues in general in the world is the issue of population aging and its consequences. At present, Iran is also experiencing the stage of transition of the age structure of the population from youth to old age. The trend of demographic changes and increasing aging in the country on the one hand and the challenges in the pension system and the provision of services to the elderly on the other hand, are among the important issues facing this phenomenon. This research seeks to examine the approaches to the challenges of old age and retirement through a qualitative approach and an analytical method by examining global experiences. Data collection and information was obtained using library and documentary methods. A study of the experience of Japan, the United States, Sweden and the United Kingdom shows that the phenomenon of population aging and the consequences of governments can not deal with the problems of society alone and without using local capacities. Although formal support systems are necessary to prevent poverty for the elderly and improve their health, there is a set of programs that are mostly carried out by local institutions such as schools, charities, municipalities or entrepreneurs. The predominant feature of these measures is the use of creativity, innovation and the use of local capacities to help the elderly and retirees.