Panama, Panama. The Ministry of Social Development (MIDES) has issued an urgent call to citizens to protect the rights of older adults, following a significant increase in reports of abuse against this vulnerable population in the country.
According to MIDES statistics, the institution has processed a total of 1,640 complaints nationwide through its various service channels, covering the period from January to November 2025. The detailed data on complaints received by MIDES are as follows:
• Center for Orientation and Comprehensive Care (COAI): 367 abuse complaints registered from January to October 2025. • Line 311: 627 abuse complaints reported from January to November 2025. • MIDES Chat System: 646 complaints received between January and November 2025.
MIDES reported that once the ministry performs the corresponding administrative procedure in accordance with Law No. 38 of July 31, 2000, all complaints related to the alleged crime against the Legal and Family Order (abuse of the elderly) are placed before the Public Ministry for the corresponding investigations. This entity is the competent authority to carry out the corresponding investigations.
As the governing body of public policies aimed at this population group, MIDES provides protection and support. An example of this is the "120 at 65" program, which provides economic assistance to 117,111 older adults living in conditions of poverty and extreme poverty. Of this total, 47.4% are men and 56.6% are women.
MIDES reiterated its commitment to the Inter-American Convention on the Protection of the Human Rights of Older Persons. This convention urges states to adopt specific measures to prevent ageism and promote equal treatment and opportunities for this important population group.
Additionally, the MIDES National Coordination for Older Adults supervises 82 Comprehensive Care Centers for Older Adults that offer protection and special care to more than 1,900 residents.
Demographic Panorama and International Commitment
According to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC), there are currently 563,641 people over 60 years of age in Panama, representing 13.9% of the country's total population.
