Africa Ageing Theory

*This photo showing a family in Soweto, South Africa, illustrates positive ageing in Africa. Grandmothers and grandfathers are not burdens, but crucial resources.*

There are many models that fall under the African Ageing Theory (AAT). In this blog, Nyanguru’s model is shared.

Nyanguru’s model of ageing

Nyanguru (read biography here) was a social work academic who taught in Zimbabwe and Lesotho. The focus for his research was ageing. He viewed aging from an African Ubuntu perspective. Basic elements from his work on ageing are:

Families have the ultimate responsibility to take care of older persons and this has to be encouraged. In one of his researches he reported with surprise that “Many of the children were unable to support their parents because of their own family obligations. The majority of the children neither lived with their parents nor visited them regularly. The elderly parents received few remittances from their children, even those who were employed”, (Nyanguru et al, 1994)
“Maintenance of the family structure should not necessarily be subject to legislation but should be the basis of all national planning”, (Nyanguru et al, 1994).
Institutionalisation should not be a priority “Not enough thought has been given to alternatives to institutions in many developed countries”, (Nyanguru et al, 1994). Problems of older persons in institutions are too many (Nyanguru, 1990, 1991) including but not limited to health, income, psychological (loneliness, stress and unhappy dying process) and housing among others. African older persons unhappy in institutions “European respondents in homes were much older than their African and coloured counterparts, and were also more educated and had had better jobs than the other respondents. They tended to live near their previous place of residence and therefore had more contact with relatives and friends. They were more satisfied with their lives in institutions than their African and coloured counterparts”, (Nyanguru, 1990, p. 1)
Supporting caregivers “Action can be planned at relatively low cost, e.g. by ensuring that a family caregiver is supported by cash disability allow- ances, or constant attendance allowances. These allowances would cost less than the medical fees of a trained professional or an institution”, (Nyanguru, et al, 1994).
“The possibility of establishing surrogate kinships, such as “adopt-a-gran” or “sahwira, (dep friendship)” is important in developing countries where the disintegration of the family following mass migration is often immediate, final and irreversible”, (Nyanguru et al, 1994).
“Another important consideration in planning for the aged is the involvement of the elderly in all stages of the planning and implementation”, (Nyanguru et al 1994).
“The elderly should be allowed to stay in their jobs as long as they could … keeping their jobs as long as they could, will as long as they could, the elderly will be able to meet their basic needs from their earnings. Work can also enhance their self-esteem and self-worth as human beings in their society. They would feel that they are making a meaningful contribution to their families, communities and society at large”.
Countries should provide public pensions for the elderly.
“It is suggested that children or relatives who are looking after elderly people should get tax relief as is done with those who have dependent children. Many children, most studies have shown, would like to care for their elderly parents, but fail to do so because they lack adequate resources (Nyanguru, 1993, p.124).
Migration poses several challenges when people become older.

References

Nyanguru, A. C. (1987). Residential care for the destitute elderly: a comparative study of two institutions in Zimbabwe. Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology, 2(4): 345-58.

Nyanguru, A .C. (1990). The quality of life of the elderly living in institutions and homes in Zimbabwe. Journal of Social Development in Africa. 5(2): 25-43.

Nyanguru. A .C. (1991). The health problems of the elderly living in institutions and homes in Zimbabwe. Journal of Social Development in Africa. 6(2): 71-89.

Nyanguru. A. C. (1993). A home that is its community. In: Tout. K. (Ed.) Elderly care: a world perspective. London: Chapman & Hall. pp. 47-52.

Nyanguru. A. C. & Peil. M. (1993). Housing and the elderly in Zimbabwe. Southern African Journal of Gerontology. 2(I): 3-9.

Nyanguru, A. C. & Hampson, J. & Adamchak, D. J. & Wilson, Adrian. (1994). Family support for the elderly in Zimbabwe. Southern African Journal of Gerontology. 3. 22-26.