A Scoping Review of the Literature on Ageing in Morocco : Trends, Gaps, and Future Directions

Introduction: Morocco, like many low- and middle-income countries, is experiencing a significant demographic shift. By 2050, it is projected that over 10 million Moroccans will be aged 60 or older. While this ageing trend presents major implications for health systems, Morocco has yet to establish a fully developed geriatric specialty or a coordinated research strategy in ageing. This scoping review aims to synthesize available literature on the ageing population in Morocco published between 2010 and 2021, offering insights to inform future research and enhance gerontological and geriatric care. Methods: A scoping review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Literature searches were performed in Medline (via PubMed), Google Scholar, and official government websites. We included original research articles, national reports, and theses focused on older adults in Morocco, without language restrictions. Thematic analysis was used to classify findings into relevant domains. Results: Out of 23,029 records initially identified, 60 studies were included in the final analysis. Most publications were original research (85.0%), with a dominant focus on epidemiology. Three major themes emerged: 1) Geriatrics, primarily addressing physical health, chronic conditions, and limited coverage of mental, sexual, and spiritual health; 2) Habits and life environment, including healthcare utilization, medication adherence, and social support systems; and 3) The ageing process, highlighting demographic transitions and gender-specific vulnerabilities. Conclusions:Despite a growing ageing population, research on older adults in Morocco remains limited in scope and depth. This review highlights the urgent need to expand multidisciplinary research, integrate gerontology education into health training programs, and adopt a holistic approach to ageing. It provides a foundational step for shaping future policy and practice to promote healthy and dignified ageing in Morocco.