Changes in living arrangements of older persons in Egypt 2000-2014

As the global population ages, there is increasing concern about the living arrangements of older adults, and in particular, whether they end up living on their own, in an institutional setting or in some other arrangement.  In many low- and middle-income countries, there is a tradition of older persons living with their adult children, and very often in multigenerational households. However, as the number of older persons increases and populations become increasingly urbanized, it is likely that even in these countries more older persons are living alone. This raises a number of concerns regarding the well-being and care of the elderly. Following global trends, Egypt‟s population is also aging with 6.9 % over 60 in 2017 and a projected population of 60 of 9.2% by 2030 and 20.8% by 2050.  Little is known about living arrangements of older persons in Egypt. Using Demographic Health Survey data, this study examines the changes in living arrangements in Egypt‟s governorates from 2000-2014. We find the proportion of older persons living alone is increasing in many governorates. For example, in 2000, the highest rate of living alone was in New Valley, with 11% households containing older persons living by 2014, Alexandria had the highest rate of households with only older persons (19% of all households). In 2000, the Red Sea governorate had the lowest rate of elder-only households, while Souhag, South Sinai, Behera and Fayoum had about 3% of their households containing elders living alone; all of these governorates experienced a tripling of the proportion of elder-only households by 2014. These demographic shifts correspond with migration patterns and changes in economic base within different governorates.