EGYPT: 5 Million Elderly Dream of Decent Life

CAIRO, January 6, 2007: Currently 5 million senior citizens live in Egypt and this number is expected to increase to 13 million by the year 2030, according to an official report. The State devises a number of policies and plans with the aim of meeting the needs of the elderly people, being part and parcel of the society. In 2005-06, the number of elderly homes reached 104, benefiting 3097, elderly clubs 159, benefiting 26853, elderly service offices 27, benefiting 6337 and physiotherapy units 52, benefiting 1258, the annual report says. Elderly Egyptians have formally requested a national council which will support elder rights in the country. Others have asked for concrete laws to protect senior citizens from elderly abuse. One example of such abuse, the growing trend of family members to expel the elderly from their homes and onto the streets, demonstrates the need for legal protection. The government on its part has said that it is investigating the issue of a national council to serve elder Egyptians. However, activists say that over a period of seven years, nothing much has been done to protect the rights of senior citizens. ©Egypt State Information Service