Age in Africa
African elderly population growth attributed to improved support systems Population has become a common subject among policymakers because of the impact it has on economic policies of both developed and developing countries. Population dynamics, such as changes in population size, structure and distribution, and the associated demographic factors of births, deaths and migration affect all facets of human life. For that reason, population has emerged as a critical factor in sustainable economic growth and development, and leading policymakers in most economies examine and address challenges in their own population demographics.
Globally, the world population in mid-2017 was estimated by the United Nations to be 7.6 billion with Africa accounting for 1.2 billion. Continentally, China is the most populous country in Asia with over 1.3 billion people, while Nigeria leads in Africa with 187 million. By 2050, Africa’s population and that of the Middle East will surpass that of China and India. This population growth is attributed to improved healthcare systems, better nutrition, increase in household incomes and favorable government policies aimed at improving the welfare of their people. This has led to an increase in the life expectancy on the continent, causing rapid population growth. As a result, concerns over the ageing population have come to the fore with attention being drawn to the challenges that come with an increase in the population of the elderly.
Left behind
Africa has approximately 60 million people aged over 60, and in 2030, there will be over 103 million elderly people in Africa. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the population of elderly people above 60 years is projected to increase by four folds by 2050, according to statistics released by the African Union (AU). Just like in other developing countries, the majority of the elderly people in African countries live in rural areas with women outnumbering men by virtue of their longer lifespan. In comparison with other regions of the world, Africa still lags behind the U.S., Japan and Europe having a higher elderly population. The elderly people in Africa face many challenges that have caught the attention of policymakers who are currently either improving or planning to improve social security policies as a way of mitigation. One of the problems facing the elderly is unemployment and income insecurity.
Most employees retire from active employment at the age of between 55 and 65 with minimal income or lack of it depending on the nature of their employment contracts. Due to being jobless, elderly people cannot access regular income, which cuts them off from access to basic needs. Lack of food and malnutrition are other problems that the elderly face today. They cannot get food to eat because they lack energy to till their lands for subsistence food crops, leading to malnutrition. Those in rural areas have found themselves isolated and lonely. They stay alone because their children and grandchildren migrate to urban centers in search of white-collar jobs. Occasionally, they get financial support from their urban family members via mobile money transfer services.
Overcoming challenges
Traditionally, being old was a status symbol for respect and wisdom. Lately, lack of respect for the elderly has become a major challenge. The elderly people are no longer held in high esteem, which leaves them desolate, desperate and depressed. And with old age comes physical, mental and health frailties due to non-communicable diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. Besides being vulnerable to diseases due to ageing organs, elderly people in Africa are burdened with caring for their grandchildren orphaned by HIV/ AIDS. The good news is that African culture appreciates the role of the older people in society even though modernization is eroding this cultural practice. They are custodians of the African culture and values that are passed from one generation to another.
Kenya is among the African countries that have come up with policies on social security and access to healthcare services targeting the elderly. Since 2013, this group has been receiving a monthly stipend of $20 for their upkeep. They also get free medical cover under the National Hospital Insurance Fund program. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), like HelpAge International, have also played an important role in supporting the elderly through claiming their rights, challenging discrimination and seeking measures to overcome poverty so that they can lead dignified, secure and healthy lives. NGOs have footprints in many African countries such as Cameroon, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
To remedy the challenges that the elderly are facing in Africa, the AU member states signed a protocol to formulate policies aimed at halting discrimination against the aged especially regarding employment, and social security systems, and institute behavioral change to deal with the prevailing negative attitudes toward the elderly and offer them free access to medical services. Already, most African countries are legislating policies to include the elderly in poverty alleviation programs focusing on subsidized food for the elderly. They have heightened campaigns and public meetings - barazas, to raise awareness on the role of the elderly in modern society.
The signing of a protocol on human rights and people’s rights for elderly people in Africa by AU members in 2016 is a positive step. It helps the continent address the needs of the elderly, such as regular incomes, equitable distribution of resources, access to appropriate health services, basic social services, care and support from the family, recognition of their contribution toward the care of persons living with HIV/AIDS and orphans, respect and recognition of the role and contribution that elderly persons make to society and recognition of their special needs in emergency situation. This is a clear statement that the continent is addressing the challenges facing the elderly from a policy perspective which is more sustainable than knee-jerk responses.
The author is a Kenyan economist, consultant and a regional commentator on trade and investment
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