Care Contracts in Old Age: An Examination of Legal and Cultural Dimensions

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Seyedeh Zahra Shahrinezhad 1
AbbasAli Soltani 2
Gholamreza Yazdani 3
1 PhD Student in private law, Razavi University of Islamic Sciences, Iran-Mashhad
2 Associate Professor, Department of Jurisprudence and Fundamentals of Islamic Law, Faculty of Theology, Ferdowsi University, Mashhad – Iran
3 Associate Professor, Department of Law, Razavi University of Islamic Sciences, Mashhad – Iran
10.22047/hsd.2025.531284.1085
Abstract
Care contracts for the elderly are a modern legal framework designed to address the increasing needs of an aging population along with the associated economic and social challenges. These contracts are generally established between elderly individuals and their family members or close relatives.Their primary aim is to create clear legal and financial obligations that ensure quality care, protect the rights of all parties involved, and prevent potential abuse.
In Iran, the need for developing legal and financial mechanisms to support the parties in these contracts is becoming increasingly critical. Although caring for the elderly is considered a moral obligation, the rising trend of aging, coupled with economic and psychological pressures, reveals that ethical considerations alone are insufficient. There is a pressing need for legal requirements and frameworks; however, transitioning ethical principles into legal mandates and addressing gaps in legislation is a sensitive area of lawmaking. If not handled correctly, this could result in unfavorable outcomes.
It is essential to take a forward-looking approach to explore the legal dimensions of aging, especially since society and the government are currently ill-prepared for this issue.
This research employs a descriptive-analytical approach to examine various dimensions of elder care contracts, analyzing their functions, components, and types. It aims to introduce this emerging contract to the general public and improve the legal and social status of the elderly and their caregivers. The findings are expected to pave the way for effective policies and laws that protect elderly rights and enhance care quality within society..
Keywords
Care contract
aging
financial obligations
legal support
family relationships
elderly rights
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Development of humanities
Volume 6, Issue 12 - Serial Number 12
Humanities
Volume 6, Autumn and Winter 2025-2026, No. 12
March 2026
Pages 109-127