study of distribution of elderly population in chahar mahal and bakhtiari province from 1966 to 2011

background and aims: nowadays, the age structure of iran is transitioning from youth to elderly. although, the elderly population are still accounted for a small portion of the population; however, the population growth rate of this age group is growing compared to the growth of the total population. therefore, understanding of the changes of this population is necessary. this study aimed to identify the distribution of population aged 60 years and more, in chaharmahal and bakhtiari province from 1966 to 2011. methods: the data obtained from the national censuses from 1966 to 2011 as well as the national statistical center and governor’s office of chaharmahal and bakhtiari province. due to incomplete data of 1956, these data were excluded. results: in 1966, 6.34% of the national total population was over 60 years compared to 6.27% in chaharmahal and bakhtiari province. in 2011, 7.68% of population in this province was over 60 years in comparison with 8.21% reported for the total population of iran. conclusion: due to rapid growth of the elderly population in the country as well as chaharmahal and bakhtiari province, considering the needs of this age group is an important necessity.