Trends of Intergenerational Support towards Elderly Parents in Coast Region, Tanzania

Abstract

This study sought to establish the trend of intergenerational support amid current social and economic changes in the Coast region, Tanzania. The study was specifically conducted in Kibaha Town Council (TC) and Mkuranga District Council (DC). The study employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches. A total of 394 respondents composed of older people aged 60 years and above out of the 15,919 older people obtained in Kibaha TC and Mkuranga DC were selected to participate in this study. Data was collected through a questionnaire, interview schedule and FGD. The findings revealed that despite social and economic changes which affect the relationship between parents and adult children, financial support was largely provided to the majority of older people. Indeed the study has noted that despite the reception of support from their adult children, there was a lack of filial obligation among adult children. In addition, though the majority of older people were receiving support, older women, illiterate and those living with their adult children were more likely to demand and receive support than others. As a result of poor economies among adult children, the support received by older people, especially financial assistance was largely inadequate and untimely. It is therefore recommended that the government and the community need to raise awareness among the young people on the importance of helping older parents as part of the strategies to enhance informal protection mechanisms. To reduce a huge burden on adult children, the government needs to re-think and put in place a non-contributory universal pension for all older people. Similarly, the government needs to put a high priority on older women since they are the ones who are most in need of support. To ensure that the support provided is adequate and reliable, the government needs to create more employment opportunities for adult children.

The Predicaments of the Rural Elderly People in Tanzania: Which Type of Support Do They Need Most? A case of Kasulu District in Kigoma Region, Tanzania

“…The findings conform to the study conducted in the Coastal Region of Tanzania, which found that adult children sometimes failed to support older parents because of the poverty they live in (Mfungo &George, 2022). Furthermore, some older people do not ask for assistance despite being in need fearing igniting marital conflicts in their children's families.…”

“…The suggestion of enhancing agricultural production may imply older people do not wish to remain dependent on families. This is because it has been learnt that the support which is provided is inadequate due to the poor economies of adult children (Mfungo & George, 2022). Moreover, engaging in agricultural activities help may help older people to remain active in their old age.…”

“…Additionally, older people in developing countries may have limited family and community support systems. This is because of the migration of younger family members in search of work or the breakdown of traditional family structures (Mfungo & George, 2022). Older people may face social isolation and increased vulnerability without the support of their families and communities.…”