Trends And Themes in Elderly-Friendly Hajj Policy: Yearly Bibliometric Review

SISKOHAT data count that around 622,198 pilgrims of Hajj participants in 2024 are elderly, and they often experience obstacles, especially health problems. In response, the Ministry of Religious Affairs launched the Elderly-Friendly Hajj program to improve their welfare. Despite the policy's initiation in 2023, research on it remains limited, especially from research articles publication. A lack of research in this policy may hinder policymakers and practitioners from being adequately informed to make tough decisions. Therefore, a bibliometric analysis of publications related to the Elderly-Friendly Hajj policy was conducted. The analysis focused on publication trends and sources and identifying key research topics and themes associated with the Elderly-Friendly Hajj. This policy brief found only six publications related to Elderly Friendly Hajj. Those limited publication are primarily local focus on elderly-friendly Hajj. It also shows researchers' lack of awareness or interest nationally and internationally. The emerging publication has touched on policy aspects in general but was not so extensive. Three alternative policies offered. 1) Initiating a broader awareness campaign to promote the Elderly-Friendly Hajj policy; 2) Allocating funds to increase global awareness and accessibility of research on elderly-friendly Hajj; 3) Strengthening publications in more specific areas. The government needs to continue to initiate efforts to promote and socialize this policy by inviting researchers, academics, and observers to conduct research whose findings will help improve this elderly-friendly hajj policy.