Family care of elderly problems.

This study was conducted to determine the elderly health problems and family care presented to them. The study was carried out in four MCH centers in Zagazig. The sample was composed of 275 women, having elderly members in their families, they were interviewed individually at the MCH center. The results showed that the main elderly physical problems were decline in daily activities, impairment of vision & digestive and urinary disorders. Psychological problems as mentioned by their families were agitation, depression and low body image. While the main identified socio-economic problems were loneliness and limited income. Regarding the family care presented to the elderly, the results showed that the low social class families had poor consideration as regards nutrition of elderly, regular physician visit, foot care, and personal hygiene. It is recommended to provide health education programs for the family about aging process, problems and needs of elderly people. As well as health education to the elderly themselves to motivate them to seek medical advice at regular intervals and integration of geriatric care in MCH centers.