Changes in Care: Aging, Migration, and Social Class in West Africa

Africa is known for its youthful population and high esteem for elders, but this is changing due to people living longer with chronic, disabling illnesses. In Ghana, older people are exploring new kinds of support for aging adults, such as paid caregivers, social groups, and senior day centers, to address their concerns about care. Changes in Care makes an innovative argument about the uneven and fragile processes by which some social change occurs, and a short film accompanies the book.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2021
Publisher: Rutgers University Press

Africa is renowned for its predominantly youthful population, as well as the high regard accorded to its elders. Nevertheless, this landscape is evolving, with individuals in Africa experiencing extended lifespans, often plagued by chronic and debilitating illnesses. In Ghana, a significant number of older individuals are grappling with a sense of unease, rather than feeling assured of respect and care from the younger generations. This anxiety stems from the fear of abandonment and neglect by their kin. In response to these concerns, older people and their families are actively exploring novel forms of support for aging adults, encompassing paid caregivers, social groups, and senior day centers. These innovative care practices manifest in sporadic and fragmented ways, with some circles being more aware of them than others.

Through an examination of emerging discourses and practices related to aging in Ghana, Changes in Care presents a groundbreaking argument regarding the uneven and fragile processes through which certain social change transpires. Accompanying the book is a short film titled "Making Happiness: Older People Organize Themselves," an 11-minute production directed by Cati Coe. The film is available for viewing at: https://doi.org/doi:10.7282/t3-thke-hp15

Weight: 333g
Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781978823242