Abstract

The Egyptian population will age rapidly over the next 30 years. By 2050, more than 22 million people will be aged 60 and above. Unfortunately, in comparison with other social concerns, population aging receives little attention. The fact that cultural and normative traditions typically identify the family as the main source of social support for older persons has undermined the political concern for population aging.This chapter provides a picture of the situation of older people in Egypt and the family members who support them. Using available data on aging population in Egypt, the chapter reveals substantial changes in family-oriented support. Older persons are increasingly preferring to live alone or in an empty nest. Daughters continue to provide hands-on support, but with their access to income through work, they match sons in providing material support. More insights to ongoing intergenerational exchange of support are highlighted through eight real life in depth interviews.The chapter unveils that given the rapid growth in the ageing cohorts of the population and the ongoing changes in the social and economic context in Egypt, family support will not be sufficient to secure the welfare of this rapidly growing segment of the population, which might in turn affect the wellbeing of older persons and the family members who care for them.