Aging in Egypt

Aging in Egypt.

Author: Soliman NH; Abdel Monem A; Soliman NA

Source: In: CDC 23rd. Annual Seminar on Population and Development Issues in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. CDC Annual Seminar, 1993, [compiled by] Cairo Demographic Centre. Cairo, Egypt, Cairo Demographic Centre, 1994. 926-61. (Cairo Demographic Centre Research Monograph Series No. 23)

Abstract:

This study examines trends among the elderly by educational, occupational, and employment status in Egypt. Data were obtained from the 1986 Egypt Census, reports from the Ministry of Social Affairs, and other research sources. Findings reveal that a greater proportion of aged males were married. These proportions were evident in urban and rural areas. Illiteracy was higher among aged females in urban or rural areas, but the gap between genders was smaller in rural areas. A smaller proportion of elderly females had attained a primary education. About 21% of aged people in 1986 were active in the labor force. The aged constituted 5% of the total labor force. About 43% of aged males and 33% of aged females were employed. Self-employment was higher in rural areas. Most aged males were production workers, followed by sale workers and farmers. Elderly females held jobs as service workers or sales workers. 25% of the elderly experienced accidents, injuries, or chronic illnesses that interfered with daily living. The most common diseases among the elderly were arthritis, eye problems, gastric problems, heart palpitations, hypertension, anemia, respiratory problems, diabetes, mental disorders, and urinary diseases. More females than males had high blood pressure, arthritis, hearing problems, and mental problems (loneliness, lack of money, and poor health). More males than females had vision problems. 39% of the elderly relied on support from their children. 52% of the elderly did not have pensions. In 1987 about 1 million elderly received benefits from universal social security. In 1988, 6% of total population had health insurance service benefits. 13.5 million employees were insured in 1989. Homes for the aged provided shelter for about .08% of the total aged population. Clubs and associations also provided services to the aged.

Language: English Year: 1994 Region / Country: Africa North | Africa | Egypt

Keywords: Research Report | Demographic Aging | Older Adults | Labor Force | Socioeconomic Factors | Developing Countries | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Adults | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Human Resources | Economic Factors

Document Number: 117469