BAKU, August 1, 2025
In Azerbaijan, where filial piety and respect for elders are deeply rooted in both cultural traditions and Islamic values, placing parents in care homes is still widely seen as a disgrace. Yet, behind closed doors, the reality is shifting: more and more elderly citizens are experiencing isolation, neglect, and emotional abandonment—even when they have children and extended family.
A Generational Rift
Sociologist Mais Garaev says the emotional disconnect between generations is becoming harder to ignore.
“These shifts aren’t unique to Azerbaijan—they’re happening globally. We’re seeing a collapse in traditional bonds. Once, obedience and reverence toward parents were the norm. Now, many elderly complain of indifference, even selfishness, from their own children,” Garaev explained.
Children of Their Time
“There’s a saying: children belong more to their time than to their parents,” he noted.
According to Garaev, elderly people who are left alone, cut off from social life, often sink into depression—a condition that erodes both mental and physical health.
“In such cases, specialized facilities—where seniors can live among peers—may offer the only dignified alternative. Turkey, for instance, calls these places peace houses, and the term reflects the goal perfectly.”
Few Options, Limited Capacity
Azerbaijan currently operates just one full-scale state-run care home for the elderly, housing 274 people over the age of 70. Most of them are no longer able to care for themselves. Other facilities serve war and labor veterans, but the country lacks a broader infrastructure for senior care.
A Cultural Taboo—But Changing
The stigma remains strong. “Placing parents in care is still considered shameful,” Garaev acknowledged. “But as living arrangements evolve, the reality is that many elderly are seen as a financial burden. They suffer in silence in their children’s homes, ashamed of their declining status.”
He believes this outdated mindset must be challenged.
“Care facilities of the future should not resemble the grim institutions of the past. They must be vibrant environments offering age-appropriate activities, independence, and a sense of purpose. Instead of spending their pensions on grandchildren, many seniors could use that money to improve their own quality of life.”
The Path Forward
Garaev advocates for serious policy discussions and practical innovations in elder care. “We must learn from countries like Turkey. The demand is growing—and ignoring it won’t make it disappear.”
As Azerbaijan grapples with demographic shifts and changing family dynamics, the country faces a difficult but necessary conversation: is it more honorable to leave elderly parents at home in neglect, or to ensure they receive professional care, even if that means rethinking tradition?
