The root cause for the exclusion of older persons from participation in developmental activities in the society - African perspective
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Date
2009
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Western Cape
Abstract
This paper review the literature regarding the barriers to participation of older persons in the
African society. Studies have shown that older persons are vulnerable and thus do not participate
in most development programmes in society to improve their livelihoods. Research has further shown
that there are factors that could be hindering their participation in society. This paper attempts
to highlight some of the barriers that hinder participation of older persons in the African
communities. The authors conclude that the barriers to effective participation of older persons in
society include the state of older people's personal health, poverty and the negative and limiting
community attitudes, laws and practices. Pensions, social grants and allowances are among the means
through which the elderly cope. However not all older persons have access to pensions as the
majority did not work in government. Furthermore, most countries in Africa except for a few such as
Mauritius, Namibia, Mozambique, South Africa, Botswana and Lesotho have not considered giving their senior citizens social grants to improve on
their livelihoods.
Description
Keywords
Elderly, Participation, Africa, Society, Exclusion
Citation
Nankwanga, A. & Phillips, J. (2009). The root cause for the exclusion of older persons from participation in developmental activities in the society- African perspective. Journal of Community and Health Sciences, 4(1): 45-50