Aging and Eldercare, Focusing on African Perspective
Abstract:
As the global aging trend intensifies, African society faces challenges in elderly care and well-being. Traditionally, African societies relied on family-based elderly care with children responsible for aging parents. However, modernization, urbanization, and globalization have severely impacted this model, resulting in social isolation, economic difficulties, and inadequate medical insurance for the elderly. This study explores African societal attitudes towards aging and elderly care, analyzes key factors affecting older people's quality of life, and assesses government policies and social support systems effectiveness. Using mixed qualitative and quantitative methods—questionnaires, interviews, and literature analysis—the findings reveal changing attitudes. While traditional culture emphasizes respecting elders, economic pressures and social structural changes make it difficult for families to assume care responsibilities. Low acceptance of elderly care institutions and limited public services leave many elderly lacking necessary care. The study recommends strengthening pension policies, improving social security coverage, promoting community pension services, and encouraging social organizations and private institutions to participate in elderly care.
KeyWords:
aging, elderly care model, family care, social support
References:
- Adult Social Care (2025). https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/insight-and-analysis/data-and-charts/key-facts-figures-adult-social-care. Accessed on 20th Nov., 2025.
- Ajala, A. S. (2006). The changing perception of age in Yoruba culture and its implications on the health of the elderly. Anthropologist, 8(3), 181-188.
- Andolsen, B. H. (1993). Justice, gender, and the frail elderly: Reexamining the ethic of care. Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion, 9(1), 135-137.
- Aninworie, J. C. (2008). Blood of Prowess. Enugu; Quintagon.
- Aninworie, O. (2012). Ikpe Udo na Nenwe. Department of Igbo, African and Asian Studies (Degree Project), Nnamdi Azikiwe Universty, Awka, (pg. 39-56).
- Aninworie, O. G. (2016). The Declining on Nenwe Traditional Counselling; The Way Forward. Department of Igbo, African and Asian Studies (Research Seminar for Masters), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, (pg. 16 & 17).
- Aninworie, O. G. (2021). The Socio-Economic Implications of Ịgba Onwe Ọrụ Among the Nenwe People. Department of Igbo, African and Asian Studies (Masters Project), Nnamdi Azikiwe Universty, Awka, (pg. 3).
- Apt, N. A. (2000). Rapid urbanization and living arrangements of older persons in Africa. Centre for Social Policy Studies. Legon: University of Ghana.
- Baltes, M. M. & Carstensen, L. L. (1996). The process of successful aging. Ageing and Society, 16(4), 397-421.
- Care and Support You Can Get (2025). https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/care-services-equipment-and-care-homes/care-and-support-you-can-get-for-free/. Accessed on 20th Nov., 2025.
- Chow, N. (2007). Aging and the family in Hong Kong. International Journal of Sociology of the Family, 33(1), 145-155.
- Dhemba, J. (2013). Social protection for the elderly in Zimbabwe: Issues, challenges, and prospects. African Journal of Social Work, 3(1), 1-21.
- Eboiyebi, F. A. (2015). Perception of old age: Its implications for care and support for the aged among South-South Nigeria. The Journal of International Social Research, 8(35), 340-356.
- Echeta, U. F. & Ezeh, E. I. (2017). Igbo care for the elderly in contemporary times: Old Testament evaluation. International Journal of Management Review, 12(1), 140-151.
- Euripides. (1997). Heracles (K. McLeish, Trans.). London: Methuen.
- Help Age International (HAI). (2010). Discrimination against older women in Burkina Faso. Parallels report submitted to the 47th session of the committee on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women (CEDAW).
- Igwe, L. (2011). Fighting witchcraft accusations in Africa. Retrieved June 20, 2020, from http://archive.randi.org/site/index.php/swift-blog/1500-fighting-witchcraftaccusations-in-africa.html
- Metz, T. (2007). Toward an African moral theory. The Journal of Political Philosophy, 15(3), 321-341.
- MJ Homecare staffing (2025).https://www.mjhomecare.com/ourservicesAccessed on 20th Nov., 2025.
- Nabalamba, A. & Chikoko, M. (2011). Aging population challenges in Africa. Chief Economist Complex, 19(2), 1-9.
- Paying for Dementia Care in England (2025). https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/legal-financial/paying-for-care. Accessed on 20th Nov., 2025.
- Togba, S. (2015). Brief communication giving older people a voice in Liberia, West Africa. African Journal of Social Work, 5(1), 131-136.
- Vanitha, D. (2014). Institutional care of the elderly: A study of old age homes in Hassan city, Karnataka, India. International Journal of Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary Studies, 5, 100-107.
- Wahl, H. W. & Gitlin, L. N. (2007). Environmental gerontology. In Encyclopedia of Gerontology: Age, Aging, and the Aged (2nd ed., pp. 494-501). Oxford: Elsevier.
- World Health Organization. (2015). World report on ageing and health. Luxembourg.