Perceptions of and Attitudes Towards Ageing in Zambia

Year 2012, , 107 - 116, 15.04.2012

Christopher C. Mapoma Gift Masaiti

https://doi.org/10.12973/eu-jer.1.2.107

Abstract

This paper reflects part of the wider outlook on ageing in general in Zambia and was intended to investigate perceptions of and attitudes towards the aged and ageing in Zambia by members of the community who, by definition and chronologically are not classified as aged i.e. not yet 60 years and over. Focus Group Discussions (FGD) were used to collect the necessary information. At least one FGD was conducted in each of the selected districts and they comprised almost an equal number of males and females. Findings indicate that people rarely discuss ageing and where such discussions are made, they usually reflect pessimistic views, attitudes and perceptions towards the aged. Further, discussants indicated that while older people face serious challenges, there seems to be no commitment in terms of policies and programs on how to address the question of ageing. Based on suggestions provided by discussants, the paper provides avenues through which ageing and the challenges thereof could best be addressed.

Keywords

Ageing, perception, attitude

References

• Anna, T. (2007). Grains from Grass: Aging, gender and famine in rural Africa, by Lisa Cliggett. Ithaca, NY and London: Cornell University Press, 2005. xvii + 224 pp
• Central Statistical Office of Zambia. (2007). 2000 to 2025 population projections
• Cliggett, L, George A., & Mubiana M. (1996). “onsequences of Rural-Urban migration on support for the elderly in Zambia. Indiana: Bloomington,
• Cliggett, L. (1997). My Mother's Keeper: Changing Family Support Systems for the Elderly in the Gwembe Valley, Zambia. Indiana: Bloomington,
• Colson, E., & Thayer, S. (1975). New Economic Relationships between children and parents???
• ILO/EASMAT. (1997). Labour statistics based on administrative records: Guidelines on compilation and presentation. Bangkok: ILO Publications.
• Kamwengo, M. (2001). Ageing and the elderly in Zambia: Perspectives and Issues. New Delhi, India: Sterling International.
• Kamwengo, M. (2004). Growing old in Zambia: Old and New Perspectives. New Delhi, India: Sterling International.
• Namakando, P. (2004). A Phenomenological Study of Ageing amongst the older persons in Zambia. PhD Dissertation. South Africa: University of South Africa, Department of Health Studies.