Life expectancy is increasing globally, with the biggest gains expected in sub-Saharan Africa.Using an online survey we investigated the perspectives of gerontology scholars on the challenges of aging in sub-Saharan Africa as well as the assets of elders. Respondents (n=72) from 17 countries, primarily in Africa, and representing 16 disciplines, identified the top issues facing African elders as: poverty, lack of trained geriatric professionals, food insecurity, disability/health issues, and long-term care. Elders' unique strengths were noted as indigenous knowledge systems, being holders of cultural heritage, and their contributions to development.Respondents' biggest concerns about elders in sub-Saharan Africa were the lack of government attention to aging issues (63%) and a lack of social services targeted to elders' needs (57%).Government funding (77.8%) and international partnerships (38.9%) were noted as resources needed to support aging research in sub-Saharan Africa. The response or non-response of governments in sub-Saharan Africa will determine whether the growing number of elders will increasingly experience unmet needs and whether their assets will be considered in development efforts. Establishing professional networks of gerontology scholars in the region will help to document the challenges faced by elders, to plan for the coming demographic shift, and to empower elders to thrive as valued community members.
Homelessness and health problems are not distinct 2 "Homelessness and health problems are not distinct:" The challenges of rural-urban migrant homeless older people in Ethiopia
The prevalence of homelessness among older adults in Ethiopia is growing. While prior studies examined the push factors and challenges of homeless elders, little is known about how older people cope with homelessness in a context of limited ageing services. This study explored the coping strategies of homeless older people in Kobo Town, Ethiopia. Purposive sampling was used to identify 10 homeless older people and four key informants. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data collected through in‐depth interviews. To cope with the challenges faced on the street, homeless older people used various strategies including begging, holy water, drying leftover food, using river water for hygiene and sanitation, sleeping in church compounds, and creating their own social networks. Despite their best efforts, elders' coping strategies could not overcome the barriers imposed by their resource‐poor environment. The findings call attention to the urgent need for a national response to elders' unmet needs including an income support programme and multifaceted support services for older adults in Ethiopia.
In November 2020 an outbreak of ethnically and politically motivated armed conflict started in Tigray, Ethiopia and expanded to the Amhara and Afar regions, bringing a devastating impact upon civilians and disadvantaged groups. Persons living in those areas, including elders, were forced to flee and seek refuge at internal displacement centers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the challenges faced by older individuals fleeing the war zone and settling in internal displacement centers during Ethiopia's armed conflict. A qualitative descriptive case study was used in this cross-sectional investigation. Purposive sampling was used to identify 13 displaced older adults. Data from the in-depth interviews with elders were supplemented with key informant interviews and observations. Narrative data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that the older adults faced a variety of challenges in the war zone while escaping their homes and in the displacement center, all of which negatively impacted their physical and psychosocial well-being. Elders fled on foot and walked for three days without food to reach the internal displacement center. In addition to food shortage, other themes included loss of significant others, family disintegration, and lack of care and support. The findings call attention to the need for practical access to social and economic integration of elders in the aftermath of war as well as ongoing psychosocial intervention. In Ethiopia and in other war-affected areas, displaced older people need tailored support.
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