Spatial Variation of Life Expectancy Indicators for the Old Age 60 Years and Over in Iraq for the Period 2010-2022 A Study in Population Geography

Abstract

The life expectancy index is one of the most important demographic indicators and reflects the reality of institutions that provide services and take into account the population’s economic, social and health conditions. The average life expectancy index for the old age group of 60 years and over is an important development indicator in assessing the reality of health and economic services for the population of Iraq, as it is noted that the old age in Iraq, suffer from several economic and social problems, which led some of them to reside in social care homes as a result of the complexities of contemporary lifestyle, the difficulty of economic conditions and the living conditions of families, and the widening of the housing crisis, which was an excuse for the old age’s families to transfer them to care homes. The care home is a service institution that aims to care for the old age and provide social, health, psychological, cultural and recreational services to enable them to overcome the effects resulting from their disability and ensure a dignified and quiet life for them during their stay in this institution, in addition to the decline in extended family coexistence represented by the large family (family) and the increase of the nuclear family. This has negative repercussions on the elderly. Elderly lifestyle, especially after the loss of a husband or wife, widowhood, and feelings of loneliness and isolation.