FACILITATORS ABD BARRIERS OF ACTIVE AGING AMONG EGYPTIANS: A COMMUNITY BASED STUDY IN CAIRO GOVERNORATE, EGYPT

Abstract

Background: Active aging can be achieved, when people are free of diseases, have intellectual capabilities, possess high physical fitness and can actively be engaged with others. In developing countries, most of which do not have comprehensive policies on aging, big challenges are faced including double burden of disease, increased risk of disability and feminization of aging. It is important to promote the concept of active aging in the population. Objective: To understand the Egyptians perception and attitudes towards the elderly, the contribution of older people in their workplaces, societies and determine the most important actions required to ensure an actively aged Egyptian population. Subjects and methods: A community based study was conducted in eastern Cairo by applying simple random sample to select between 4 main divisions, a sample of 1000 participants yielded a power of approximately 99%. All age groups above 18 years old were included. Subjects were divided into two groups: below 60 years and those equal to or above 60years. Data was collected using interview questionnaire, which was adopted from the special Active Aging questionnaire EUROBAROMETER 378 questionnaire. Results: The majority of the participants feel that a person is considered old at the age of 66, and 51% of participants less than 60 years assured that elderly play a big role towards their family. Workplace age discrimination was highly reported, being unable to adapt to modern workplaces is found to be the main obstacle stopping people aged 60 years and over from working. Conclusion: Flexibility at work and financial rewards for elderly are recommended. More attention must be given to institutions as older people’s organizations and religious organizations that have a positive role in tackling the challenges of aging in population.