Cambodia is grappling with the growing challenges posed by its aging population, particularly among older women, who face financial insecurity, limited healthcare access, and social isolation. According to Population Trends Asia Pacific, individuals aged 60 and above made up 10 percent of Cambodia's population in 2023, a figure projected to double by 2050.

The Asian Development Bank reports that 94 percent of Cambodians over 65 are employed in the informal sector, lacking pensions or social protections. Many elderly women, particularly in rural areas, remain economically vulnerable, relying on continued labor or family support, which is becoming increasingly unreliable.

Efforts to address these challenges are ongoing. The Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans, and Youth Rehabilitation is working alongside organizations like HelpAge Cambodia and UNDP to improve elderly well-being through initiatives such as the Intergenerational Older People Associations (IOPAs). These associations provide financial resources, social support, and healthcare access, fostering community engagement and financial independence.

Programs have enabled many elderly individuals to access financial support through revolving loan funds, helping them start small businesses and secure basic needs. These models have also encouraged community members to provide emotional and practical support to older adults, strengthening social bonds and reducing isolation.

Despite these improvements, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) remain a significant concern, accounting for 64 percent of all deaths in Cambodia, according to the World Health Organization. Cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and diabetes disproportionately affect the elderly, emphasizing the need for enhanced healthcare systems tailored to aging citizens.

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