Humanities and social Sciences

Permanent URI for this collection

http://41.63.25.24:4000/handle/123456789/292

Browse

Browsing Humanities and social Sciences by Author "Mapoma, Christopher Chabila"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Population Ageing in Zambia: Magnitude, Challenges and Determinants
    (2013-09-23) Mapoma, Christopher Chabila
    This Study investigated the magnitude, challenges and determinants of population ageing in Zambia. Specifically, the study investigated past and future trends of population ageing; challenges older people face, determinants of active ageing and the existence and adequacy of policies for older people. The study has demonstrated that Zambia's population, like the rest of Africa is also ageing; older people are faced with several challenges occurring at individual or micro level as well as those determined by the socio-economic and demographic environment or macro level. However, the most prominent of them all is low self-esteem. Others which directly contribute to low self-esteem include health problems, functional limitations, lack of care and support – both by family and institutions, including government – constrained living arrangements and lack of opportunities for both work and income generating activities. This study has also shown that income accessibility (Economic Determinant), functional limitations (Health Determinants), low self esteem and loneliness (Personal/Behavioural Determinants), low family and peer interactions (Social Determinants) and HIV/AIDS determine active ageing in Zambia. With regard to policies, the study has demonstrated that although the draft policy on ageing is currently in place, it falls short of addressing many aspects and challenges of ageing. In view of these findings, the study recommends a paradigm shift where the family is strengthened and encouraged to continue playing its traditional, but significant role of looking after, caring for and supporting older generations. The study also recommends that the policy on ageing should be structured to reflect main determinants of active ageing in the context of Zambia.