African Journal of Ageing Studies

The Tale of Older Adults in a Ghanaian Urban Society During the Peak of COVID-19

2023-10-09T13:14:08+00:00

The study explored the psychological, social, and emotional challenges the older adult experienced during the peak of Covid-19. The interpretivist philosophy underpinned the study, utilizing phenomenological design to unearth the socio-emotional and psychological experiences of the older adults during the peak of the pandemic. Interviews were conducted to permit the participants to pour out their experiences during the period. The study unveiled that the older adults experienced social, emotional, and psychological challenges, which invariably had rippling effects on them. Social support was virtually non-existent for the older adults in the study area during the peak of the pandemic. The social bond and solidarity people used to offer their relatives including the elderly seemed to have been exterminated during the period. The neglect of the elderly during the period is a societal failure. Consequently, social, and behavioral sciences need to offer valuable insights for managing the pandemic and its impact on the elderly in society.

The Impact of COVID -19 on Family Relations: Implication for Ageing

2023-10-09T13:14:09+00:00

The COVID -19 pandemic continues to affect the well-being of individuals and societies. Its associated lockdown and social distancing measures have further impacted family relations by distancing individuals from family and social networks. Using the symbolic interactionism theory as a framework, this study aimed to find out the effects of COVID -19 on family interactions (relationships). Thirty students from the University of Ghana were purposively selected for the study. Participants were asked to write about their experiences during the pandemic and its effects on family relations. Data were collected over a period of fourteen days. Thematic analysis was employed in generating themes based on the responses. Respondents reported both negative and positive effects. Reports on the negative effects included fear of contracting the virus (hence distancing themselves from family members), nose mask wearing which hampered communication (hence their messages being misunderstood and misinterpreted) and inability to visit and relate with extended family members. On the positive effects, it brought the nuclear family together and improved interactions among them. Implication for ageing in the COVID -19 era and beyond is discussed with reference to the family as an institution.

COVID-19 Pandemic Vaccine Uptake, Hesitancy, and Myths: The Worldview of Older Ghanaian Adults

2023-10-09T13:14:11+00:00

The study sought to investigate COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, uptake and hesitancy including the myth(s) militating against COVID-19 vaccine uptake among older Ghanaian people. There is the need to ascertain the emergent COVID-19 vaccine acceptance challenge and ways of addressing them. The paper utilizes the phenomenological method to investigate the lived experiences of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings show that vaccine uptake acceptance and hesitancy are induced by a myriad of factors. Similarly, specific attitudes are fostered by voluntary acceptance and administration protocols. Most often vaccines are disproportionately distributed leading to shortages in certain areas with large numbers of people, inoculators not at designated posts, inadequacy or flaws may be responsible for the inability of those who are prepared to be inoculated in the designated areas to be inoculated, missed inoculation timing, systemic challenges, vaccine uptake hesitancy. Two (2) distinct vaccine uptake pathways pertain in the context of this paper. These pathways are structured around adherence and compliance with inoculation regimes in Ghana, or non-compliance to the same due to diverse COVID-19 pandemic misinformation and/or myths. Five distinct myths pertaining to the coronavirus vaccine were discovered, namely the preservation of older people’s

lives for wisdom; vaccine is constituted by protein taken from deceased fetuses; the vaccine does not offer 100% immunity from coronavirus infection; there is the notion that inoculated persons will die in two (2) years of vaccine uptake; finally, hearing of discouraging stories/information impeded vaccine acceptance and the associated uptake. Collectively, these precipitate among older persons feelings of powerlessness and social disintegration which promote a fear of vaccine uptake acceptance, which restricts social participation.

Strengthening Distance Education Delivery to Adult Learners in Higher Education Institutions in Ghana

2023-10-09T13:14:13+00:00

Distance education is witnessing increasing participation in Ghana, fuelled by the deployment of information communication technology (ICT) in higher education institutions (HEIs). Many universities, hitherto single delivery mode, are now delivered through ICT teaching and learning tools as adapting blended approaches to distance students. Despite the potentials of ICT teaching and learning making adult learners self-directed, they are fraught with challenges. This review theorizes distance education delivery. First, a summary of the wider context of distance learning was made. Second, assemblage theory was explored in relation to distance education (or ICT enhanced) delivery. Third, the Ghanaian case study was explored in context. Last, there is a critical gaze on how governments in developing countries partner higher education institutions by providing laptops, and resolving other challenges related to distance learning delivery to adult learners. This initiative supports the digitisation process, self-directed, and lifelong learning that drives economies.

Fiscal Planning and Hobby Engagement as Significant Contributors to Psychological Wellbeing in Post-Retirement

2023-10-09T13:14:14+00:00

Mental health has steadily gained currency in Ghana; however, people still prioritize physical health over mental health although the two go hand in hand. Having sound psychological well-being is key to enjoying one’s retirement. Psychological well-being simply refers to the quality of life of an individual. It is made up of a cocktail of elements such as being in ideal physical health, feeling good about oneself and the ability to function optimally. Simply put, a combination of optimal life satisfaction and the ability to function sufficiently is imperative. Being properly prepared for retirement has a considerable influence on one’s psychological well-being (Amorim & França, 2019). In Ghana, very few people have the comfort of planning for retirement. As a result of the topsy-turvy nature of our economic climate, many Ghanaians live from hand to mouth. Savings are considered a luxury while developing or engaging in healthy hobbies is dangerously akin to an unfathomable pastime tethered onto the erroneous perception that only the wealthy have the benefit of engaging in healthy hobbies.

Exploring the Type of Social Support Available to Aged Male Hypertensive Clients in Ghana

2023-10-09T13:14:15+00:00

This study sought to explore the social support available to aged hypertensive male clients in a municipality in Ghana. Data was collected from 186 selected men aged 60 years and older and diagnosed with hypertension for the previous 3 months. They were administered a self-developed questionnaire. The data was processed and analyzed using the SPSS version 23. Some of the variables were subjected to statistical tests and ranked in order of importance to respondents. Respondents accepted to participate in the study after giving their informed consent. It was evident that respondents do not get support to help take care of their conditions. Some of these few supports include feeding, health, and cleaning. Other assistance like clothing, socialization, medication, washing, transportation, and financial support were lacking. Based on the findings, the study concludes that improving support system for respondents, by the government, community, religious bodies, and family can optimize the care of aged hypertensive patients in the Ejura- Sekyedumase Municipality in Ghana.

Old Age: A Painful Transition in Ghana

2023-10-09T13:14:16+00:00

It is argued that old age is a sign of wisdom, and that the older one becomes the more knowledge one acquires. This makes old people, and older women in particular a “learning institution” for the younger generation. No wonder that in some societies, it is a privilege to get older. Ideally, old age is expected to be revered and celebrated. Unfortunately, this is not always the case for many old people, and especially old women. On the contrary, many older people are exposed to different kinds of indignity including witchcraft accusations. Much of the extant literature on aging focus one form of transition; the transition from a “youthful” to an “elderly” age in ordinary social life. This article takes a different analytical approach to aging transition. Based on fieldwork conducted in northern Ghana, we use the eclectic approach to discuss three forms of transition of elderly people: (a) transition from home to the “witch camp” (b) ritual incorporation and living through life as a morally compromised strangers (c) becoming ill, dying and assuming the status of the “forgotten dead.” This paper goes beyond exposing the “mystery of old age” to document the painful experiences of elderly women who have been accused of witchcraft and have passed through these transitional stages. Drawing on ethnographic observations, life-history interviews with accused witches and (in)formal conversations with other locals, this work raises perplexing questions regarding why old age is a painful and regretful transition, especially for old women in relation to witchcraft accusations.

Ageing with a Disability: Care Arrangements and Support Needs in Contemporary Ghana

2023-10-09T13:14:17+00:00

The population of older people is increasing globally, and it is expected that in Africa, the population of older persons would increase from 69 million in 2017 to 226 million by 2050. The United Nations estimates that over 46 per cent of older persons have disabilities, the majority of whom experience moderate to severe disability. Given the increasing trends of older people and the vulnerability of older people to a disability, the population of persons with disabilities could increase. Ghana is yet to develop holistic measures that could adequately address the needs of both persons with disabilities and older people as distinct groups, and uniquely for older persons with disabilities. For example, although the Persons with Disability Act was passed in 2006, a legislative instrument has not yet been developed to operationalize the Act, nor has the Act been harmonized to align with international laws. Persons with disabilities in Ghana face many barriers to full and equal participation in society, including stigma, discrimination, physical and information barriers. On the part of older persons, although there is the National Ageing Policy (2010), more work is required to enforce its implementation to give older persons in Ghana a better quality of life. Undoubtedly, age-related challenges could adversely worsen the plight of older persons with disabilities. Guided by the theory of intersectionality, the life-course theory of ageing, and the social model of disability, content analysis and personal conversations, this paper explores the vulnerabilities and needs of older persons with disabilities in Ghana and provides recommendations to address their unmet needs.

Does the Church Care? Assessment of Social Support Strategies on the Health and Wellbeing of Older Adults Within the Tema Metropolitan Assembly-Ghana

2023-10-09T13:14:19+00:00

The aim of the present study is to identify effective and efficient social support strategies that could improve the health and wellbeing of older adults among religious organisations within the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) and transcend to other areas of Ghana. Thematic analysis was used as the qualitative methodology for this study where twenty (20) research participants were interviewed. Results revealed that the most dominant social support strategies adopted by the church are either instrumental or material, spiritual, emotional, and informational. Churches, Government, and other Social Service organisations must develop intervention strategies to promote general wellbeing among the older adult towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3 by 2030.

Young Adults’ Perception of Ageing and Care of Older Adults: A Study Among University of Ghana Students

2023-10-09T13:14:20+00:00

Globally, the rate of population ageing is high. Similarly, Ghana faces a threat in witnessing rapid ageing of its population. Traditional social systems that were used to care for older adults are rapidly collapsing due to changes in the society. The present study explored young adults’ students’ perceptions of older adults in Ghana, through the exploration of their understanding of the term ageing and old age, their attitudes towards caring for older adults along with the roles they play in their care. Through a qualitative approach, individual interviews were conducted with 20 young adults in the University of Ghana. Findings show that students held stereotypes about older adults, but they were not aware of the ageing population and its implication on their wellbeing. The findings also revealed that young adults performed house chores and other minor activities to support older adults. Findings from this study suggest the need for information on ageing in tertiary schools to enhance students’ knowledge on ageing and the implications of ageing population

Ageism and Attitudes Towards the Aged Among Ghanaians

2023-10-09T13:14:21+00:00

Attitudes towards the aged comprise feelings, cognitions, and behaviours linked to how individuals relate to older adults. Although the social understanding of relating to the aged have been established in studies, the psychological predictors of these attitudes have not been studied in Ghana. This study assessed the ageism and attitudes towards the aged.

The study was a quantitative study which sampled 323 participants. The present study examined the reasons why adults have certain attitudes and perceptions about the aged. The study investigated this objective from the social and psychological points of view. The study used an explanatory mixed-methods design. The study started with a quantitative study which consisted of 323 participants who were recruited from selected areas in the Greater Accra region. Data was collected using measures of ageism, attitudes towards the aged, fear of old people (FOP). The quantitative data was analysed using multivariate and regression analysis. The results showed that sociodemographic factors such as education and age individually play a role in ageism and attitudes towards the aged, respectively. The study also found that positive ageism reduces negative attitudes towards the aged, whilst negative ageism is linked with undesirable attitudes towards the aged.

Efficacy of Dance Movement on the Wellbeing of the Elderly in Ghana

2023-10-09T13:14:22+00:00

In Ghana, one major contributing factor to the poor wellbeing of the aged is associated with inactivity and sedentary lifestyle. As seniors age, the rate at which they engage in physical activity decreases. This makes their inactive bodies prone to diseases such as muscle mass reduction, osteoporosis, and poor balancing, less mobility endurance, flexibility, and general loss of wellbeing. Meanwhile the aging populace forms a crucial part of Ghana’s human resource base, thus, the need to safeguard their pre- and post-retirement health. Currently, the application of dance movement technique as a physical wellness and fitness activity in improving the wellbeing of the elderly in Ghana is under explored. This was an exploratory case study which set out to examine the efficacy of dance movement in improving the general wellbeing of the elderly in Ghana. The triangulation method design was adopted to collect data from 20 participants (male and female) who enrolled into the dance for fitness program organized by Centre for Aging Studies (CFAS) in collaboration with the Department of Dance Studies at the University of Ghana Legon. Each participant’s systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels were recorded before and after each session and questionnaires administered through series of weekly interviews. Other instruments such as observation of the participants, video recording of the sessions, and face-to-face interviews were also used to ascertain the efficacy of dance movement on the general wellbeing of the seniors. The study indicates that the aged or seniors in Ghana desire to engage in dance as soma-physical activity to prevent and/or reduce some age-related diseases and to improve their general wellbeing.

The findings suggest that helping seniors make the right choice towards healthy and successful ageing goes a long way to helping them age gracefully. This is because successful ageing is a socioeconomic need. Therefore, using dance movement technique as a preventive tool for improving the wellbeing of the elderly within our society is likely to minimize the high cost of medical care for the aged. Again, the application of soma-wellness and its knowledge has the tendency to decongest and ease the pressure on our ill-equipped hospitals and other health facilities especially in this COVID- 19 era.

COVID-19 Pandemic and the Elderly in Ghana- A Discussion of the Religious and Spiritual Implications for Their Wellbeing and Survival

2023-10-09T13:14:24+00:00

The years 2020 and 2021 have been challenging for the elderly globally because of the unimaginable impact of COVID-19 pandemic on that age group. According to a report by the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the greatest risk for severe illness and death from COVID-19 is among those aged 85 or older. In this presentation, I wish to establish that religion and spirituality are essential mechanisms for the elderly to cope during crisis situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper will draw on a body of research which has shown a positive correlation between the wellbeing of the elderly and their spirituality or religiosity. This paper also seeks to discuss the spiritual needs of the elderly and suggests best approaches to provide care to meet their spiritual needs during the pandemic. This presentation would also highlight some results from an open-ended questionnaire survey administered to pastoral caregivers of the elderly in some selected Presbyterian church congregations in Ghana. The survey results provide evidence on how the elderly maintain their spirituality even under strict COVID-19 restrictions. Finally, this presentation will also highlight some pastoral care guidelines necessary for the promotion of the well-being and quality of life of elderly people during this COVID-19 pandemic and in future.

Impact of social isolation in the context of COVID-19 on mental health of older adults in Osogbo Local Government Area of South-Western Nigeria

2023-10-09T13:14:25+00:00

Traditionally, older persons co-reside with extended family members. The social relationship and structure of the extended family were such that the living arrangement promoted intimacy between older persons and younger family members thereby mitigating the problems of isolation and loneliness in old age. However, this living arrangement was altered by one of the COVID–19 mandates - social isolation, imposed by the federal and State governments in Nigeria during the pandemic. This was with a view to limiting in-person visits and lowering the risk of COVID-19 infection. As important as this approach was, there were also concerns that social isolation may increase risk for anxiety, cognitive decline, dementia, and depression among older adults. Although research has been conducted on COVID-19 directives in Nigeria, studies which, considered the impact of social isolation on mental health in older adults who, traditionally rely on and cherish time spent with friends and family members are sparse, hence this study. Utilizing qualitative data from in-depth interviews with older men and women, the paper examined the impacts of one of the COVID-19 mandates on mental health of men and women aged 60 years and older; identified the factors responsible for mental health challenges in older adults in social isolation and investigated the strategies they adopted to cope with the identified mental health issues due to social isolation during the COVID-19 lockdown in Nigeria using Osogbo Local Government Area as a case study. The study showed that social isolation enforced by the federal government and state governments had negatively impacted on mental health of older adults in the study area. These findings are linked to movement restriction, stay-at-home and self-isolation orders that had made it impossible for children and extended family members to visit their aged relatives during the lockdown. The coping strategies employed include prayers, regular telephone conversations with family members, reduction in watching of television and observation of COVID-19 protocols, among others. Pragmatic policy options aimed at addressing this emerging mental health problem in older adults were highlighted.

Ageing Without Social Security and the COVID Pandemic in Ghana

2023-10-09T13:16:05+00:00

Provisioning for the aged remains problematic in developing countries due to the absence of reliable social security systems that cater for majority of the population who operate under precarious conditions in the informal sector. How did the aged cope with existential costs before and during the COVID pandemic? This paper discusses insights on the care of the elderly, their coping mechanisms, and obligations of the State as a duty bearer. Methods used for the study include a cross-sectional survey and qualitative semi-structured interviews in 2019 and follow up in 2021. Findings show that the elderly experience poverty through lack of income, lack of food and ill-health. Less than a third could meet their living expenses, and over 60 percent of them continued to work in old age for their upkeep, and by relying on family support in challenging times. The State as a duty bearer was absent in the care of the aged. The COVID pandemic compounded their situation through jeopardised social relations, emotional stress, economic hardship, and fear of patronising health facilities for regular care. The paper concludes that there is a lack of reliable social safety net for the care of the aged, except those who worked in the formal sector and are therefore covered by the national social security scheme. However, over 70 percent of the working population operates in the informal sector. The paper recommends establishment of a universal social security system to guarantee the welfare of the elderly and set up specialised units within the health care system for the elderly.