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Review

Toward Holistic Aging in Lebanon: A Mapping of Gerontology and Geriatrics Research Trends, Gaps, and Future Directions

by
Rudy S. Younes
1,2,†,
Charbel Ziade
1,2,†,
Ferial Rajha
3,4 and
Mirna Abboud Mzawak
1,2,*
1
Department of Psychology and Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Keserwan, Lebanon
2
IDEES Multidisciplinary Research Group, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Keserwan, Lebanon
3
Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Badaro P.O. Box 6573/14, Beirut, Lebanon
4
Department of Nursing, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese German University (LGU), Jounieh P.O. Box 206, Keserwan, Lebanon
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
These authors are co-first author and contributed equally to this work.
Healthcare 2026, 14(17), 2857; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14172857
Submission received: 10 August 2026 / Revised: 27 August 2026 / Accepted: 3 September 2026 / Published: 4 September 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Lebanon is undergoing a rapid demographic transition, with older adults projected to exceed one-fifth of the population by 2050. Supporting healthy and independent aging requires a robust evidence base that extends beyond clinical care to encompass community, environmental, psychosocial, and policy dimensions of aging in place. This bibliometric review maps the landscape of gerontology and geriatrics research in Lebanon to identify research trends, gaps, and future priorities for advancing holistic approaches to aging. Methods: A bibliometric review was conducted of gerontology and geriatrics research published between 2015 and 2026. Publications were retrieved from the Scopus database and screened according to predefined eligibility criteria. Results: A total of 403 publications met the inclusion criteria. Research productivity increased steadily over the study period, reaching its highest level in 2025, although publications remained concentrated among a relatively small number of authors and institutions. The literature was predominantly oriented toward clinical, epidemiological, and public health aspects of aging, with comparatively limited attention to community-based aging, psychosocial well-being, age-friendly environments, policy, social participation, and other determinants that support older adults’ ability to age safely and independently within their communities. Research evaluating interventions outside tertiary healthcare settings was particularly scarce. Conclusions: This review provides the first bibliometric mapping of gerontology and geriatrics research in Lebanon and indicates that, despite substantial growth in scientific output, the identified literature is largely centered on diseases and institutional healthcare. Future research should adopt more holistic and multidisciplinary perspectives to promote psychosocial well-being and aging well in one’s community. These priorities may guide researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in developing strategies for aging well in Lebanon.
Keywords: holistic aging; gerontology; geriatrics; Lebanon; psychosocial well-being; social gerontology; community gerontology; aging in place holistic aging; gerontology; geriatrics; Lebanon; psychosocial well-being; social gerontology; community gerontology; aging in place

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MDPI and ACS Style

Younes, R.S.; Ziade, C.; Rajha, F.; Abboud Mzawak, M. Toward Holistic Aging in Lebanon: A Mapping of Gerontology and Geriatrics Research Trends, Gaps, and Future Directions. Healthcare 2026, 14, 2857. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14172857

AMA Style

Younes RS, Ziade C, Rajha F, Abboud Mzawak M. Toward Holistic Aging in Lebanon: A Mapping of Gerontology and Geriatrics Research Trends, Gaps, and Future Directions. Healthcare. 2026; 14(17):2857. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14172857

Chicago/Turabian Style

Younes, Rudy S., Charbel Ziade, Ferial Rajha, and Mirna Abboud Mzawak. 2026. "Toward Holistic Aging in Lebanon: A Mapping of Gerontology and Geriatrics Research Trends, Gaps, and Future Directions" Healthcare 14, no. 17: 2857. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14172857

APA Style

Younes, R. S., Ziade, C., Rajha, F., & Abboud Mzawak, M. (2026). Toward Holistic Aging in Lebanon: A Mapping of Gerontology and Geriatrics Research Trends, Gaps, and Future Directions. Healthcare, 14(17), 2857. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14172857

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