"Ministers’ information"The number of elderly people in Egypt is 6 million "65 years and over" Until January 2024
The Information and Decision Support Center of the Council of Ministers issued a new analysis entitled “The Silver Economy” Concerned with the needs of the elderly.
The center explained that the number of elderly people in Egypt in the age group 65 years and over constituted about 5.7% of the total population as of January 2024, meaning about 6 million elderly people. With the expectation of survival until the age of 69.1 years for males and 74.1 years for females, the elderly in Egypt still contribute to economic activity and play a role in the movement of the labor market. The number of elderly people in the labor force and those employed at the same time (65 years and over) reached about 419 thousand individuals during the year 2023, representing 1.3% of the total labor force and 1.4% of the total employed persons, according to the labor force research for the year 2023.
The analysis added that the state attaches great importance to the elderly category and strives to provide everything that would enhance the status of the elderly in society, and overcome all the difficulties they face, as they are a basic and important segment of society. It has its status, and the state is keen to protect their rights, which are affirmed by Constitutional Text No. (83) regarding the state’s commitment to guaranteeing the rights of the elderly in health, economic, social, cultural, and recreational terms, and providing an appropriate pension that guarantees them a decent life.
The analysis showed that Egypt’s Vision 2030 is based on six strategic goals, including the second goal of “social justice and equality,” which aims to provide social protection and reduce disparities between social groups. Including providing the necessary care for the elderly.
In order to unify and organize efforts related to caring for the elderly, the Egyptian government works within the framework of a strategy for the elderly that seeks to provide them with social care, and develop and improve the level of Services provided to these groups, empowering them and transforming them into constructive energy. There are many programs and initiatives concerned with the elderly, including health care: In light of health being considered a major issue for the silver economy sector, the “Continuing Health Care for the Elderly” program was launched. On October 1, 2022; This is to provide medical services and improve the quality of healthy life for the elderly over the age of 65, through early detection of the most common health problems at this age stage.
He added that private institutions have provided Elderly care, as the state works to provide institutions concerned with caring for the elderly; There are now about 175 homes for the elderly distributed in 22 governorates, 191 clubs for the elderly nationwide, 52 physical therapy units, and 26 rehabilitation centers, in addition to the “Companion for the Elderly” initiative, which is an initiative launched by the Ministry of Social Solidarity, with the aim of providing comprehensive daily care for the elderly and assisting him in performing his functions and skills. life inside his home or in other places where the elderly person is present; The initiative is based on qualifying and training young people to work as companions for the elderly and coordinating with partner NGOs to provide the service at reasonable prices.
In addition to the “Karama” cash support program, it targeted the special aspect of the “Karama” program. "dignity" Several categories, including the elderly starting from 65 years of age, those with a disability or chronic illness that prevents them from working, and orphans who do not receive care from their father or mother but rather from second-degree relatives or beyond, and the number of beneficiaries of the program has reached more than 1.8 million people until mid-August 2024.
And the certificate of giving back, within the framework of Nasser Social Bank’s interest in elderly customers who do not have a great ability to invest, and who have With a desire to save, a one-year return deposit has been issued for those aged (60 years and over) with an annual return of up to 22% for one year and 24.25% for 3 years.
In addition to financing productive and in-kind investments, Nasser Bank targeted the category of pensioners among those entitled to the bank’s services to purchase machines, equipment, appliances, and durable goods in all their forms. The Golden Age Initiative aims to achieve the principles of community integration for groups most in need of care, including the elderly, by providing cultural, religious and recreational activities and highlighting the talents and abilities of the elderly, in addition to correcting the societal view of nursing homes and clubs for the elderly, and spreading community awareness of the issues of the elderly.
Reducing the cost of living, exempting the elderly over the age of 70 from public transportation expenses, including railways and the metro, and exempting those over 65 years of age by 50%, and the Ministry will bear the costs for them.
In order for the elderly to be an engine for growth and development; It is important to distinguish between pluralism in generations by reinforcing the idea that generations can work together, communicate, and empower each other. Just as the elderly were the workforce and makers of yesterday, today and tomorrow they will be the consumers and target market for youth products, innovations, and investments, especially in light of the multiplicity of sectors. Directed to the elderly, including health care, entertainment, care services, technological products, etc.
The analysis confirmed in its conclusion that, given that the silver economy is multi-sectoral, enhancing its growth requires organization and structuring, so that Unifying the organization of all companies that work for or with older people, giving companies the resources to develop and market products and services that will serve the independence and care of older people into the future.
