CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0 Introduction

This chapter will outline the following; background of the study, statement of the problem, research objectives, research questions, significance of the study, scope and operational definition of terms.

1.1 Background of the Study

In most developed countries, population ageing began to cumulate slowly during the late nineteenth century as their fertility rates entered a phase of sustained decline Ciceros (44BC) essay De Senectute (“On Old Age”). For example, provides a window into past experiences, attitudes, and beliefs about old age. Being an aged person is usually considered to begin at the age of 65 it is at this point that is necessary to find the meaning of life through some become bitter and disillusioned. The aged has a relatively brief history but one that foreshadows a future in which ageing will transform the social structure of many societies. In 1950, no country had more than 11% of its population aged 65 and over; in 2000 the highest figure was 18% but by 2050 it can reach 38%. The ageing population of the world emerged later and the portion over aged 65 passed 6% only during the last quarter of the 20th century by which at that time fertility decline was becoming a global phenomenon. In contrast, the history of old age referring to the experiences of older individuals and groups has been a subject of record since ancient times. His work foreshadows ideas about how individuals might preserve their health and vitality that become highly influential 2000 years later in research on “healthy ageing” and “successful ageing” ( e.g. Rowe and Kahn 1998).

The world demography is changing rapidly and soon there will be older people than children and even more people at extreme old age than in the past. Aged people live longer and the population of older people is increasing (WHO, National Institute of Aging 2011) Advancement of medical care, a higher standard of living, advanced in technology and low birth rate especially in the developed countries are some of the factors that are fueling the demographic changes. The number of people above 65 is projected to increase. As people get older, the ageing process sets in. Starting at the middle age, functions of the body becomes susceptible to constant wear and tear this is an overall weakening in physical and mental capabilities. It is at old age where chronic diseases set in like depression, heart, cardiovascular, digestive diseases etc. Alzheimer, arthritis, cancer diabetes have been identified as the most common illnesses of ageing (Patience 2005). Others include hearing decline, decrease in body muscle mass and strength, reduction in body water, the decline in functional efficiency of kidney and liver, decline in bone density and strength and decline in visual ability. Biological ageing and impairment process which are highly influenced by individuals psychosocial, psychological and socio-economic factors occur constantly and defer among individuals. (Suominen, 2007).

Human populations around the world are growing at the most outstanding rate in the history of humanity (Keplan & Inguanzo, 2007). Previous studies have shown that the rapid ageing population generally, have many social and economic implications attached to the phenomenon (Barker. 2004; Nizamuddin, 2002 Daggett, 2011; Fishman 2010. This is commonly referred to as the ageing effect and its focus on the shift of age structure of population and the profound impact that it has on the broad range of economic, political, and social processes. As such, it is important for every society to be informed about the growth in the ageing population and to be able to ensure the wellbeing of the aged, there is need to understand the societal views and attitudes towards the aged.

This is in line with W.H.O, Global Strategy and Action Plan on Aging and Health in the world. Health Assembly of May 2016. The Strategy provides guidance for coordinated action in countries that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals and emphasize the need for improved studies on the aged (WHO, 2016). Currently, there are very limited studies conducted in Cameroon to establish the attitudes of the society towards the aged. As such, it is difficult to establish principles to ensure the psychosocial wellbeing of the aged in Cameroon. Considering the effect of the ageing population on the political, economic, and social aspects of a nation, it is important to undertake a study to determine the attitudes of society towards the aged to suggest strategies to improve on society’s attitudes towards the aged, thereby improving their psychosocial wellbeing.

In a new study, supported by W.H.O and published in The Lancet Global Health, there is ample evidence that suggests that almost 16% of people aged 60 years and older are subjected to psychological abuse (11.6%), financial abuse (6.8%), neglect (4.2%), physical abuse (2.6%) or sexual abuse (0.9%). The research draws on the best available evidence from 52 studies in 28 countries from different regions, including 12 low- and middle-income countries. The findings of the study further suggest that the abuse of older people is on the rise; for the 141 million older people worldwide, this has serious individual and societal costs (WHO, 2016). It is without a doubt that these different forms of abuse experienced by the aged, has a severe impact on their psychological and psychosocial wellbeing of the aged. If this is the case in Cameroon, it is unimaginable the individual and societal cost attached to it. However, there is very little data to establish the level of abuse of the aged and to determine a turnaround strategy. It is in this regard that there is a need for this study.

According to Health Analytical Profile, Cameroon’s population stands at about 22 million wherein the ageing population (65 years and above) constitute 3.5%. It, therefore, means that Cameroon has over 770.000 ageing people, a number that is likely to double by 2035. Considering that the negative attitudes about ageing and old people have a significant consequence for the physical and mental health of the aged (Kite et al., 2005; Gluth et al., 2010), It is imperative to consider the wellbeing of the ageing population which is growing. Nelson, 2005; North & Fiske, (2012) added that older people who feel they are a burden, perceive their lives as less valuable, putting them at risk of depression and social isolation. A survey conducted in the US by Bennett and Gaines (2010) affirms that nearly 80% of respondents aged 60 years or over are reported having been discriminated against due to their age. While Nelson, 2005; North & Fiske, (2012) post that the expanding older population may face challenges such as increased negative attitudes towards them.

In the views of Nizamuddin, 2002; Barker, 2004; Fishman, 2010; Daggett, 2011; Weeks, 2012), have heightened some social and economic implications in ageing population which include: dependency burdens; alterations in the sustainability of family structures; medical needs that focus on non-communicable degenerative disease; increased consumption trends due to more individual homes housing elderly; and the potential depression of economic growth and development due to the economic withdrawal of those entering pension hood, which inevitably results in structural changes within the labour force among other problems.

Ageing has already caused many nations to experience such implications; however, some regions have experienced it more than others, while yet others stand to experience the ageing transition differently from those previously.

It is, therefore, deemed necessary to investigate the ability and appropriateness of Cameroon policy initiatives in dealing with the demands and needs of an ageing population.; to examine the challenges of an ageing population in Cameroon, and then to devise a solution that could be used to cultivate sustainable wellbeing of the ageing population in Cameroon. The problem of this study is: the existence of negative attitudes about ageing and towards the ageing population has significant consequences on the physical and mental health of the aged and it is of great cost to the individuals and the society. With over 770.000 ageing population in Cameroon by 2016 and with the possibility of the number to likely double by 2035, there is a need to increase attention on the wellbeing of the aged. If they are not treated well, this might affect the economic, political and social processes in Cameroon.

1.2 Statement Of The Problem

Society’s attitude is recognized as a significant aspect of the psychosocial well-being of the aged both positively and negatively. In the Bakweri community, the researcher realized that the aged are not respected, adequate health care is not given to them, and they may be seen as bearers of misfortune, while others see them as witches and wizards. This study seeks to investigate the negative aspects towards the ageing population, the impact of these attitudes on their psychosocial wellbeing and propose possible solutions on how the society should handle the aged because in the Bakweri community it seems that the well- being of the aged depend greatly on the people in the society but the aged are being discriminated upon more than the expected love.

1.3 Objective of the Study

1.3.1 General Objective

The objective of this study is to investigate societal attitudes towards the aged and its effects on their psychosocial wellbeing.

1.3.2 Specific Objectives

1. To identify some negative societal attitudes towards the aged.
2. To identify some challenges faced by the aged in the Buea municipality.
3. To investigate how societal attitude affect the psychosocial well-being of the aged.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What are some of the societal negative attitudes towards the aged?
2. What are some of the challenges faced by the aged in the Buea municipality?
3. How does societal attitude affect the psychosocial well-being of the aged?