Supporting Armenia’s Growing Older Population: Swiss Delegation Visits Shirak Region
Article, 21.03.2025
With nearly 15% of Armenia’s population already over 65—and projected to reach almost one-third by 2050—the demand for dedicated elderly care services is increasingly urgent. Since 2016, the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) and the Armenian Red Cross Society (ARCS) have partnered to tackle challenges such as economic insecurity, limited healthcare, and isolation faced by elderly individuals and persons with disabilities. Their Home-Based Care and Active Ageing program, now in its third phase, currently supports over 500 home-care clients and engages more than 400 older residents in social groups, significantly improving participants' quality of life.
To witness firsthand the impact of these joint efforts, representatives from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) recently visited Armenia’s Shirak region, where they explored community initiatives and interacted directly with those benefiting from the programs.
The delegation included Ursula Läubli, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Switzerland in Armenia and Deputy Regional Director of Swiss Cooperation South Caucasus; Irina Peyer, Programme Manager South Caucasus of the SDC; and Jina Sargizova, Swiss Red Cross Regional Representative for the South Caucasus.
Shirak Branch of ARCS: Understanding Local Initiatives
At the Shirak Branch of the Armenian Red Cross Society, Samvel Madoyan, the Branch President, welcomed the delegation and presented an overview of ARCS activities. The delegation learned about various community projects, including home-based care, active ageing groups, fundraising efforts, and initiatives to strengthen disaster preparedness and response.
Visiting Older Residents: Stories from Arapi and Gyumri
In Arapi, a village close to Gyumri, the delegation visited an older couple aged 96 and 84. Living in a remote area, the couple relies heavily on home-based care provided by nurses, caregivers, and volunteers who visit them twice a day. Their story is touching: their son had moved to Russia and tried relocating his parents closer to him, but the couple’s strong attachment to their home village drew them back to Armenia. With ongoing support from ARCS, they can remain safely and comfortably in the place they love.
Another visit in Gyumri featured a 65-year-old resident who benefits greatly from regular care provided by ARCS caregivers. These visits have notably improved his quality of life, enabling him to maintain independence and dignity.
Active Ageing: Bringing Joy and Community to Older Citizens
In Gyumri, the delegation also met with members of an Active Ageing group—a vibrant choir of Older women who gather regularly for cultural activities. Beyond simply singing, this initiative provides older people with a sense of belonging, purpose, and joy. Through active participation, the adult community remains socially engaged, reducing loneliness and isolation.
Gyumri Care Center: A New Home for older people and persons with disabilities
Finally, the Gyumri Care Center was visited, recently entrusted to ARCS by the Armenian government. Serving 160 elderly people and persons with disabilities, the center has been significantly improved thanks to renovations supported by the Swiss and Austrian Red Cross societies. This center has become an important part of the community, offering quality care and a comfortable environment for its residents.
Ongoing Cooperation Across Armenia
With continued annual financial support from SDC HQ, SRC continues to actively support ARCS through several nationwide projects:
Winter Aid Project (2024-2026): Providing essential food support to lonely older people and those displaced from NK and strengthening local ARCS branches in Armavir, Gegharkunik, Kotayk, and Tavush.
First Aid Training and Service System (2022-2026): Enhancing ARCS capacity in first aid services across Armenia.
Institutional Preparedness Project (2023-2025): Strengthening ARCS’s emergency response abilities in Aragatsotn, Ararat, Armavir, and Kotayk regions.
