Elderly Care and Chronic Disease Management in Saudi Arabia: Challenges and Innovations

Saudi Arabia faces a rising elderly population and chronic disease burden, prompting urgent health system reforms. Structural barriers include unequal access, limited geriatric expertise and low digital literacy. Innovations like wearables, AI, telehealth and self-management programmes show promising results. Vision 2030 drives preventive care and digital health adoption, aiming to build an inclusive, sustainable system for ageing populations.

Key Points

• Saudi Arabia’s ageing population is driving demand for more integrated elderly and chronic care.
• Chronic disease and comorbidities are common among older adults, increasing healthcare costs.
• Rural seniors face limited access due to uneven healthcare distribution and staff shortages.
• Digital tools like wearables, AI and telehealth improve monitoring, safety and access to care.
• Self-management programmes empower older adults to take control of their health outcomes.

The Demographic Shift: Ageing and Its Implications

Saudi Arabia is at a critical juncture in its demographic and healthcare transformation. With the increase in life expectancy and a decline in birth rates, the share of citizens aged 60 and above has exceeded 7% of the population and is projected to rise sharply in the coming years. This demographic transition brings with it a complex set of health and policy implications, particularly in managing age-related illnesses and the growing prevalence of chronic diseases.

Among the most pressing health concerns in this population are non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disorders. Many elderly individuals are affected by multiple chronic conditions at once—a phenomenon known as comorbidity—which not only complicates clinical management but also drives up healthcare costs. Mental health is another growing concern. Older adults are increasingly vulnerable to depression, anxiety and cognitive decline, often exacerbated by social isolation, limited mobility and restricted access to psychological support services.

The convergence of these factors makes it imperative for the Kingdom to re-evaluate healthcare delivery models, reallocate resources effectively and reform public health strategies to meet the changing needs of its senior population.

Systemic Barriers to Healthy Ageing

Several structural challenges hinder the effective management of elderly care and chronic disease in Saudi Arabia. First among these is the high burden of chronic illness. Research shows that nearly 67% of older Saudis are either overweight or obese, a statistic that reflects poor dietary patterns and limited physical activity. These lifestyle factors increase vulnerability to metabolic disorders and contribute to worsening outcomes in existing chronic conditions.

Secondly, the distribution of healthcare resources is uneven across the country. While urban centres are relatively well served, rural and remote communities often face significant access barriers. Residents in these areas may encounter long travel distances, under-resourced facilities and a scarcity of trained personnel. The shortage of healthcare professionals with specialised training in geriatrics and chronic disease management is a particular concern, leading to inconsistent care quality, longer wait times and overburdened health workers.

Socioeconomic and educational disparities further compound these issues. Many older adults, particularly in low-income or rural settings, have limited formal education, which can impede their ability to understand medical information, adopt health-promoting behaviours or navigate healthcare systems. Digital literacy is also low among many seniors, posing an additional challenge as health services become increasingly reliant on technology.

Moreover, the current system of elderly care often lacks integration. Care is frequently fragmented across primary care providers, specialists and community services, with poor communication between sectors. This disjointed approach results in gaps in service delivery and undermines continuity of care. Mental health services, despite their growing necessity, remain inadequately embedded within routine geriatric care. High rates of depression and anxiety in older adults go underdiagnosed and undertreated.

Innovations Shaping the Future of Elderly Care

In response to these challenges, Saudi Arabia is implementing a range of innovative solutions, many of which are aligned with Vision 2030—the Kingdom’s national strategy for economic diversification and social reform. Vision 2030 places strong emphasis on enhancing the quality, accessibility and sustainability of healthcare services, with particular attention to preventive care and digital health transformation.

Technology-Enabled Support

Wearable health devices are playing a growing role in elderly care. Products such as the SANAD and NEDA Bands offer a suite of features including real-time monitoring of vital signs, fall detection, GPS tracking and medication reminders. These tools allow older adults to maintain independence while ensuring that caregivers and healthcare providers can respond swiftly to emergencies.

Telehealth platforms are bridging longstanding access gaps, especially in rural areas. Through remote consultations, seniors can access primary and specialist care without the need to travel long distances. Chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension can now be monitored remotely with regular updates to physicians, thereby improving disease control and reducing the need for in-person visits. Telemedicine is particularly valuable for patients with limited mobility or those living far from major hospitals.

Smart home technologies are another area of innovation. Voice-activated assistants help older adults set reminders for medications or appointments, while fall detection sensors and automated medication dispensers enhance home safety and adherence to treatment plans. These systems make it easier for seniors to age in place, reducing the reliance on hospital-based care and lowering overall healthcare expenditures.

Harnessing AI for Predictive Care

Artificial intelligence is being used to transform the way chronic diseases are monitored and managed. AI-powered platforms analyse patient data to identify patterns and predict health risks, including the likelihood of falls or heart attacks. These insights enable healthcare providers to intervene early, reducing emergency visits. For instance, automated reminders and monitoring systems have been shown to increase medication adherence rates, which in turn enhances the effectiveness of treatment plans.

Empowering Patients Through Self-Management
Patient-centred care is gaining prominence, particularly through programmes designed to empower individuals to manage their own conditions. The Stanford Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) is a notable example. This evidence-based intervention helps patients build skills in symptom management, nutrition, physical activity, medication adherence and communication with healthcare providers. Participants also benefit from peer support and goal-setting techniques that foster confidence and autonomy.

In Saudi Arabia, adoption of the CDSMP is expanding, with promising early results. Older adults enrolled in the programme report greater control over their health, improved quality of life and a reduction in emergency department visits. The emphasis on behavioural change and self-efficacy is especially beneficial for seniors who may face barriers to traditional healthcare access, such as physical limitations or transportation difficulties.

System-Level Reforms and Workforce Development

Policy measures under Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Program aim to shift the focus of the healthcare system from curative to preventive care. Public health initiatives such as sugar taxes and campaigns to promote physical activity are designed to address the root causes of chronic disease. These efforts are complemented by investments in digital health infrastructure, ensuring that innovations like telehealth and AI can be deployed effectively and equitably.

Workforce development is a parallel priority. Recognising the shortage of geriatric specialists and chronic disease experts, the government is funding training programmes and offering incentives for professionals willing to work in underserved regions. These initiatives seek to build a more resilient and responsive healthcare workforce that is better equipped to meet the needs of an ageing population.

The role of social determinants of health is also receiving increased attention. Authorities are investing in initiatives that address broader contributors to health and well-being, including safe housing, access to healthy food, opportunities for social interaction and community-based support networks. These measures not only improve quality of life but also reduce healthcare utilisation by addressing upstream risk factors.

Impact in Practice: Real-World Examples

In many Saudi households, wearable health devices are becoming part of daily life. Designed to be lightweight, water-resistant and equipped with long battery life, these devices connect to mobile apps that track health metrics and issue alerts when anomalies are detected. This allows caregivers and clinicians to monitor patients in real time, enabling early intervention and preventing avoidable hospitalisations. Such technologies also foster a sense of reassurance and control among users and their families.

The rapid expansion of telehealth services has been particularly impactful. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual care models have become integral to healthcare delivery. Seniors living in remote areas now have access to a full spectrum of services—including consultations with specialists, chronic disease follow-up and even psychological support—without leaving their homes. The SEHA Virtual Hospital, officially recognised by Guinness World Records as the largest in the Middle East, exemplifies how large-scale digital health infrastructure can make high-quality care more inclusive and accessible.

Chronic Disease Management Success

The CDSMP continues to demonstrate strong results in the Saudi context. Participants consistently report improvements in health literacy, physical function and emotional well-being. They also experience fewer complications and hospital admissions, which translates into reduced costs for both patients and the health system. The programme’s interactive, community-based design makes it especially well suited to older adults who may be reluctant to engage in traditional healthcare settings.

Bridging the Remaining Gaps

While progress has been substantial, several areas still require focused attention. The integration of healthcare services remains a significant hurdle. A more coordinated approach is needed to ensure seamless transitions between primary, specialty and community care and to avoid duplication or fragmentation of services. Comprehensive case management models may offer a pathway toward more efficient and holistic care delivery.

Mental health services must be more fully embedded into routine geriatric care. Many seniors experience psychological distress, yet few receive appropriate support due to limited service availability or cultural stigma. Expanding access to mental health professionals, training frontline providers in geriatric psychiatry and increasing public awareness are crucial next steps.

Digital inclusion is another critical issue. Many older adults lack the skills or confidence to engage with new technologies. Tailored training programmes and user-friendly design can help bridge this divide, ensuring that all seniors can benefit from digital innovations. In addition, continued research is needed to assess the long-term effectiveness, cost-efficiency and scalability of technologies such as wearable devices and self-management programmes.

Looking Ahead

Saudi Arabia’s ageing population and rising chronic disease burden present a dual challenge and opportunity. Through strategic investment, technological innovation and a commitment to person-centred care, the Kingdom is laying the groundwork for a healthcare system that is more equitable, responsive and sustainable. Realising this vision will depend on ongoing collaboration between policymakers, clinicians, researchers and communities. With careful implementation and continuous evaluation, Saudi Arabia is well positioned to become a regional leader in elderly care and chronic disease management, delivering healthier, more dignified lives for its senior citizens.

Conflict of Interest

None.