Experts warn: Czechia's aging population could overwhelm social services

The Czech Republic is on track for a dramatic demographic shift over the next decade, with the number of residents over 80 expected to rise by nearly 60 percent, according to new projections from the Czech Statistical Office.

Regions already struggling with healthcare capacity could see the most severe impact, prompting warnings from experts and local officials about the country’s readiness to care for its aging population.

By 2035, the number of people over 80 will increase by 75 percent in Liberec, 72 percent in Ústí nad Labem, and 70 percent in Central Bohemia. Nationwide, the rise is projected at 56 percent.

Prague is expected to see a smaller increase of 46 percent, despite its residents having the country’s longest life expectancy. Officials attribute this to an influx of younger workers in recent decades and fewer retirees moving to the capital.

“The generational change will be very significant nationwide, but these regions will really experience a sudden shock. It is high time for the regions to prepare for this change. The question is whether it is not too late now,” Petr Mazouch, a demography expert from the University of Economics in Prague, told Czech media.

The looming surge in elderly residents poses significant challenges for social services. Liberec Governor Martin Půta acknowledged the scale of the problem, saying, “We are not able to build thousands of new places in senior homes at once. That is certainly not possible in terms of investment.”

He added that priority would likely go to seniors with the greatest needs and expressed hope that private providers and healthier seniors could help ease the strain.

Staffing shortages remain a critical issue nationwide. The Association of Social Service Providers estimates the country needs an additional 1,500 social service workers and more than 700 healthcare professionals. The greatest shortages are reported in Prague, the Central Bohemian Region, and Zlín.

“The problem with providing care is that the entire segment is competing for the same group of people. Nurses are lacking in hospitals, but they will also be needed in nursing homes or field services. In a few years, there will be a huge demand shock for on-demand services,” Mazouch warned.

Ruth Šormová, director of the senior care group Život 90, said the country faces a major challenge because it missed earlier opportunities to prepare for population aging. Šormová urged the state to support outreach services, allowing seniors to stay in their homes longer, and to provide tax benefits or part-time work options for family caregivers.