MANSOURA, Egypt — June 2026
At the age of 83, Amal Ismail has earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the Faculty of Arts, Mansoura University, completing an extraordinary educational journey that has inspired many across Egypt.
Her doctoral dissertation, titled “Active Ageing and Its Relationship with Selected Sociological Variables: A Study of Selected Cases at Mansoura University,” explored issues related to healthy and active ageing and their social dimensions.
As part of her research, Ismail conducted a field study involving 20 women from villages across Dakahlia Governorate, aiming to generate findings that contribute to improving the quality of life for older adults while highlighting the social challenges facing senior citizens. In many ways, she embodied the very concept of active ageing examined in her research.
The dissertation committee awarded her the degree with Excellent honors and recommended that the thesis be printed and circulated among universities in recognition of its academic value.
Amal Ismail grew up in a village in Dakahlia Governorate. She left school while in preparatory education after marrying at a young age and devoted herself to raising her children.
When her children grew older, she decided to return to education at the age of 38, successfully earning her preparatory certificate. However, she later paused her studies at her husband’s request to focus on caring for her family. During those years, she also overcame a battle with cancer.
In 2011, encouraged by her daughter and grandchildren, Ismail resumed her education at the age of 70. She completed her Thanaweya Amma (Egyptian General Secondary Certificate) before enrolling in the Faculty of Arts at Mansoura University.
After earning her bachelor’s degree, she continued her academic journey by obtaining a Master’s degree in Sociology with Excellent honors in 2023. She then immediately pursued doctoral studies, culminating in the successful completion of her PhD at the age of 83.
Her remarkable journey stands as a powerful example of perseverance, resilience, and the lifelong value of education, demonstrating that determination and a passion for learning can overcome age and circumstance.
