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.