Elderly people in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt): insights on living conditions and social support

Elderly population is growing in the developing countries. Governments and societies are not prepared to cope with their aging populations and the oPt is no exception. The objective of this paper is to shed the light on the living conditions and social support of the elderly in the oPt and suggest policy recommendations. This paper is based on the Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey (MICS) 2010. The analysis was focused on 60 years and above people. 4.4% of the total population in the oPt were elderly (5% females and 3.8% males). 64% were married (91% men,44% women). 47% of the elderly were illiterate (65% men, 25% women). 87% were either living alone offering home to family members (9% and 78% respectively).42% was heads of households. 85% of the elderly think their children are taking full care of them. 15% reported having uncomfortable residence and 14% were annoyed from persons or things in their home. 8% reported having elderly clubs while only 0.7% was using them. 59% asked to have social associations while only 4% agreed on going to elderly homes. Many reported bad feelings and perceptions (50% depression, 46% worse social status, 51% nervousness, 37% loneliness. Apparently, elderly needs much support from both their families and other institutions. They should be targeted in the development agenda.