Challenges and Assets of Older Adults in Sub-Saharan Africa: Perspectives of Gerontology Scholars

Abstract

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.

Longitudinal Studies of Aging in Sub-Saharan Africa: Review, Limitations, and Recommendations in Preparation of Projected Aging Population

“…In SSA, issues affecting aging are rooted in regrettable and implicit social and contextual conditions. For instance, social warfare for older adults’ care is almost nonexistent in some nations because of several reasons, including but not limited to inadequate government resources and funding, inadequate policy frameworks, and cultural beliefs and attitudes towards older adults ( Aboderin & Beard, 2015 ; Aboderin & Ferreira, 2008 ; Adamek et al, 2021 ; National Research Council, 2006 ; Saka et al, 2019 ). A 2022 study reported that 72 gerontological scholars from 17 countries stated that the lack of social services targeted at older adults could result from competing priorities in addressing other societal needs for other populations ( Adamek et al, 2021 ).…”

“…For instance, social warfare for older adults’ care is almost nonexistent in some nations because of several reasons, including but not limited to inadequate government resources and funding, inadequate policy frameworks, and cultural beliefs and attitudes towards older adults ( Aboderin & Beard, 2015 ; Aboderin & Ferreira, 2008 ; Adamek et al, 2021 ; National Research Council, 2006 ; Saka et al, 2019 ). A 2022 study reported that 72 gerontological scholars from 17 countries stated that the lack of social services targeted at older adults could result from competing priorities in addressing other societal needs for other populations ( Adamek et al, 2021 ). Our finding, alongside previous evidence, highlighted the need for aging research in SSA to refocus on social- and contextual-related areas, identifying the economic and social inequalities that may contribute to lack of resources and support for the older adult’s population.…”

Building consensus on priority areas for Sub-Saharan Africa’s ageing population research: An e-Delphi study protocol

“…Previous studies have contemplated key issues such as HIV/AIDs-related role reversal, intergenerational dependency, aging in place, access to health care, formal and informal social security systems, retirement homes, poverty, impacts of communicable and non-communicable, etc. [ 12 ]. Similarly, Kalu et al conducted a systematic mapping review involving 512 ageing studies in SSA which showed that most studies focused on non-communicable diseases and HIV/AIDs, Cancer, and physical functioning [see [ 3 ] for full details].…”

Profiles of Ethiopian centenarians: A qualitative inquiry

“…In Ethiopia, while just 5% of the population is age 65 and over, it is expected that the country will have 11.5 million older adults by 2050 (Central Statistical Agency of Ethiopia 2007). Despite sub-Saharan Africa having the biggest gains in life expectancy (United Nations 2019), gerontological studies in the region remain sparse (Adamek et al 2021). In the absence of systematic inquiries in Ethiopia and other Sub-Saharan nations, we have little insight into the lives of scores of undocumented centenarians, including cultural differences in their profile, lifestyles, and needs.…”