.
BBC NEWS AFRICA: October 7, 2005: 09:30 GMT
Can elders grow old with dignity?
Do we give enough care and attention to our senior citizens?
When we grow old, we expect the final years of our life to be less pressured.
Increasingly grandparents are shouldering greater responsibilities, due to changing social and economic pressures.
The Aids pandemic means many elderly people are now looking after their grandchildren, whose parents have died.
The traditions and values which used to ensure the safety and dignity of elders are changing.
Have we forgotten how to treat our elders properly? Are they being denied financial assistance, healthcare and a political voice, when they are most needed? Or do African elders get too much respect? Do you look forward to growing old?
This debate is now closed. Many thanks for your contributions.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Your comments:
I grew up watching my Grandma and my parents closely (pictured right; self and parents top row, plus sister and bro-in-law; all wearing waterproofs for our visit to the Niagara Falls). In the African culture, age was and always has been something to be admired. A person is released from the pressure to justify themselves, free to discover who they are, and perhaps to pass on to the rest of us something of what they discover. Even in European culture, there is a notion of having time to 'make your soul', as you move closer to death.
Josephat Musyoka Mua, Kenya/USA
We Africans speak a lot of languages, but it is the elders who prevent these languages from dying, by teaching them to their grandchildren. Parents are gone all day working to support the family. Most of the time, when they come home, their children are already sleeping. Children who grown up with their grand parents speak their language better than those who grown up without their grandparents.
Khalid Mania, U.S.A
Poor quality geriatric care is a big problem in Africa. Our leaders seem to be oblivious to this fact. The irony is that a lot of African people are providing such care in the developed nations. The experience gained needs to be transfered back to Africa, if not wholly, at least in a suitably modified form.
Togbe Agbeduvi, Ghana
It is only in the modern day Africa that we have old people's homes. In the olden days, we prayed that our grant parents and our parents died in our laps
Denola Adekoya, Nigeria
In most streets in Africa, we see a lot of older people begging for alms. I sometimes feel so bad, I ask myself, "Was it their fault to grow old and why is nature wicked to some old people?" I really fear to grow old. Let us respect and care for our elders.
Charles Nii Ayiku, Switzerland
In Malawi we value our elders greatly because they are a source of wisdom and experience, like a reference book. If we are stuck, we consult our elders. As they say in Greek, experience is a good teacher.
Allanie Njateni, Malawi
In my family we all jointly care for our parents and we have helped each other through education too. But I would say that respect for the elderly is not there these days. I was looking forward to growing old, but I do not think I would be given that same respect my grandfather was given some years back.
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso, Accra Ghana
We make our elders work twice their lifetime. The time they ought to rest and enjoy their last years, they look after their grand children. This is not necessarily because parents have died, but because we want to enjoy ourselves in towns and cities. On the other hand, our African elders will complain if they are not given work. They are still active and will die strong. When he or she dies you find people exclaim, What happened, yesterday he/she was fine.
Mawadri Alfred, Uganda/Peru
We would love to take care of our elders, but the situation in Africa is not allowing young Africans to do that, because of poverty.
Shem, USA
Elders can only grow old with dignity when they are not in politics.
James William Mugeni, Uganda
Elders with lots of money, many children, and relatives are treated with decency until death. However, when none of the latter apply, the treatment they receive is awful.
Odur Onyokuman, Sudan/Australia
There are two sets of people that are vulnerable in third world countries. The young and the old. In between are the struggles. Until the world body sees this as a serious problem they will always bear the blunt of an unforgiving and caring society.
Nyema Elliott
I would like to live my old age not leaning on anyone
Ambo Fidelis Aza'ah, Cameroon
The National Social Insurance Fund (NSIF) in Cameroon is a service that is reponsible for pensions and social benefits for the old, but, as far as I know, those who work there feed fat with the old peoples' money. The old spend money and time compiling documents and travelling tens of kilometres to follow unnecessary procedures, just to come back with very little. Some do not even see the first cent of their pension before God's Call. Of course no right thinking man or woman wants to depend on someone else, instead of being supported by part of his/her earnings. I would like to live my old age not leaning on anyone. Thanks.
Ambo Fidelis Aza'ah, Bamenda/Cameroon
In most parts of Africa, people have forgotten how to treat their elderly. Most often, the older folk are considered witches and it's sometimes said that their sins are hunting them and their retirement salary can not even afford them three square meals a day. Some do get respect, especially those who are educated and have contributed to society.
Joe Noutoua Wandah, Liberian in Accra
It is better to burn out than to fade away. Where I am from, the life expectancy is 33 years. We live fast and we die young.
Tendai Huchu, Zimbabwe
In Africa old age is not necessarily indexed to money or wealth. As long as you are morally upright, in good health and have some wisdom and humour, the chances are your last days on earth can be guaranteed to be comfortable. Africans by nature are but just one big extended family, from great grandparents to great grandchildren. We can live happily as long as there is some food, song, and dance.
Gabriel, Lusaka, Zambia
We have definitely forgotten how to treat our elders because of the Western doctrines we have copied, forgetting our own culture. Some of us do not think about them because they are poor not much of giving them respect.
Andrew Koker, Freetown, Sierra Leone
The moral fibre of our politicians cannot move them to take care of their younger citizens, let alone the old folks
Shuttie Libuta, Zambia
We have no respect for the old folks who are supposed to be the custodians of our cultural heritage. They are overburdened by babysitting or orphaned children, whose parents were not taking care of the elderly when they were still alive. The moral fibre of our politicians cannot move them to take care of their younger citizens, let alone the old folks who are considered a liability to society. I am not looking forward to old age even though it is a phenomenon that cannot be evaded. The tribulations of the elderly are much too numerous especially in Morden Africa.
Shuttie F.N.Libuta, Kitwe Zambia/Central Africa
We will never ever forget our elders, On behalf of Darfurians, I can say our traditions of respect to elders are being maintained. But governments should have the primary duty and responsibility to maintain dignity and safety of our elders, because here in Darfur we are living in very servile conditions which cannot be encountered except in the nightmares.
Mohammed Abdel Karim Ahmed, Sudan
I think old people deserve love, care and above all respect. Unfortunately, however, this is now the reverse in Africa as they are treated with scorn and derision. In fact, most youngsters in Africa do not look forward to growing old, because there is no future for young people. Little wonder then that most youngsters dread the idea of becoming old.
Joseph Abu, Freetown, Sierra Leone
We have become too selfish to care for our elders. In the poor countries even in the few days before going to grave the elder citizens have to work hard to feed themselves and their children and grandchildren. In the developed world I hear a lot about the material development and social welfare given to all citizens equally. However, in both parts of the world for one reason or the other the elders are not getting the respect they deserve and the dignity they are looking for. I believe in the East at least the old traditions and cultural values are given some degree of protection, but in the West only the state has remained with the moral responsibility and the society totally has forgotten this nobility.
Azizi, Japan
The respect, care and dignity of the elderly in Africa as a whole is poor and disgraceful compared to the western world. These are the people who carry the historical archives of the continent and we should be proud of them. We should not neglect them. They live in deplorable conditions, left in farm huts to face starvation and worst of it all are left in poverty to look after their grandchildren, whilst our leaders' bank accounts are swelling in Swiss banks.
Haji Bangura, Sierra Leone
I wish my grandparents were still alive. I really miss them and their words of wisdom. When my grandfather realised I had a girlfriend, he once told me "what an old man can see sitting down a young man can't see while standing." In Africa especially where I come from elders are held in high esteem. You know, it is really a taboo to insult an elderly person. Elderly parents will live to be a shield or protector to the young generation even in spirit. Thus they deserve due respect.
Aaron Anye, Cameroon/South Africa
Old age is the most difficult period in Africa, because most people don't earn enough money to keep some aside for retirement. Old people are often reduced to beggars. The issue of dignity will continue to be far removed from old people, unless African governments develop good social security policies.
E. Julu Swen, Monrovia, Liberia
Old people are a source of inspiration in our African Culture and tradition. They deserve maximum respect and good health care. However with the rampant increase in HIV /AIDS and poverty in Africa attention towards these people has been deviated. This has lead to the loss of moral values in Africa.
Chibwinja Francis, Kitwe/Zambia
Under African tradition, elders are not supposed to work because they worked during their youth. Their children and grand children are the protection they expect to enjoy as a form of social security. In Islam, a believer is obliged to care for his parents. Prophet Muhammad was quoted as saying that "Heaven lies under the feet of your mothers." But despite urbanisation, many families are still mixing tradition and modernity. For example in my urban home in Kampala, in addition to my wife and children, l cater for my mother and her mother. And in the rural home, in addition to my brothers, sisters and step mother, l cater for my mother in law and her mother. So elders still enjoy some protection but not enough. Governments should taxing them during their prime age for future protection.
Ahmed Kateregga Musaazi, Uganda
Yes, people still respect old age but such respect does not translate into taking proper care of the old because of scarce resources and the pressures of making ends meet.
Chinedu Ibeabuchi, Lagos Nigeria
When many young people are dying due to aids the social network that has traditionally supported old people is being disrupted
Amoroso Gombe, Nairobi/Kenya
The cool thing about Africa is that family is still considered very important. Nearly all my friends still take care of their parents when they are in their old age. Most Africans would never dream of dumping their parents in an old peoples home. The thing is, when many young people are dying due to aids and poverty in general, the social network that has traditionally supported old people is being disrupted. As always, everything comes down to economics, so if the Hong Kong (Doha) 'development' trade round succeeds and we manage to reverse European trade injustices, then maybe both the old and the young in Africa will have a future worth living.
Amoroso Gombe, Nairobi, Kenya
Yes, that really reminds me, my Grandpa used to catch me with his walking stick when I refused to buy him snuff or assist him to stand on his feet. I am missing his elderly advice. I will make time to see my Grandpa this weekend to buy him snuff. Thank you BBC for reminding me.
Plato Owulezi, Nigeria/Togo
Whether old or young, we all deserve to be treated with respect and dignity
Esther Kabugi, Kenya
It is disheartening that youngsters today treat senior citizens with scorn and derision. The elders must be respected and accorded their dignity. Their opinions and advice must be respected and considered. In Africa, it is a taboo to abuse elders. The bad social and economic situation of the continent has really changed the culture and traditions as regards relationships with the elders. It is a must for all Africans to respect the elders so that they too can be treated the same way if they attain the same status in life.
Jamiu Folarin, Ogun State, Nigeria.
The old age of many Africans will definitely be filled with pain, poverty and hopelessness until our selfish and greedy leaders stops laundering the sweat of its citizens abroad. It is shameful and pathetic.
Olaoluwa Nelson, Lagos Nigeria
For me, the elderly are like a diamond mine; the more you dig the more treasures you find. If you sit down with an old person for an hour; you will learn what you cannot learn normally in ten years. I also treasure the fact that most Africans care for live and love their elderly relatives until the will of God is done.
Aanena Jemitola, Paris, France
Our villages are now homes for the elderly
Israel Ambe Ayongwa, Cameroon
Our villages and rural settings are increasingly becoming more like the homes for the elderly found in the West. The fact that there is this rural-urban exodus of the young and working population, our villages are now the official old peoples' homes. Go to most of our villages today and you will see only the little ones and the very old. The labour force in villages is dropping. Certainly, I will never like to be ostracised like these old people. I think the government should open up employment opportunities in rural areas so as to stem this movement. Care for the elderly is certainly necessary.
Israel Ambe Ayongwa, Bamenda, Cameroon
Owing to the growth of urban life in Africa, the respect of grand parents who were living in rural areas has gone.
Ndimwe, Tanzania
In Africa Old is Gold
D'amour Sharangabo, Canada
In Africa the older you become, the more you are treasured. Old is Gold, unlike in the west where Old could be silver or less. I don't think we have forgotten our elders. Africans are community-based by nature, with an elder in each community. The drawback is our way of life which conflicts with today's life style. In the 50's, it was easy for the common man to take on his brothers' kids and feed them and educate them. Nowadays, it is a hassle even to feed his own family.
D'amour Sharangabo, Vancouver/Canada
No, we have not forgotten how to treat our elders properly. But modern challenges and social pressures are driving us away from caring for our elders.
Endalkew Retta, United Kingdom
Nowadays, most elderly people resent the notion of being referred to as old people. They strive to be seen as 'young at heart' in this generation of ageless aspirants. Hence, they can be treated as equals by younger folks. The truth remains that our grey headed folks deserve respect.
Magnus, London Canada
Absolutely not. Our elders still get the respect that is due them. My grandmother lived a blissful life before she passed away. She supported us and the grand children and we intern, gave her the best.
Omorodion Osula, Boston/USA
We must not be sentimental. Age doesn't automatically confer wisdom. The authority of 'elders' of one sort or another can be oppressive. But when we completely lose sight of any idea that older people have a crucial role in pointing us to the way we might work to make better sense of our lives, we lose something vital. There is a perspective on our human experience that is bigger than the world of production and consumption.
Josephat Musyoka Mua, Kenyan in USA
African governments need to replace traditional culture with a full care system which will ensure full right of senior citizens. We need to treat them with good care because they are the foundation of our societies. Also, long ago, Elders were decision makers in the community.
Pal Gatkuoth Deng, Lincoln/Nebraska/USA
To Kwaku, if the younger ones do not show proper respect to you or their elders, you rebuke them soundly and you will be right to do so. That's what I like about Africa
Cheme, Nigeria
I was very busy from the age of 5 to 14 as all four of my grand-parents were blind. I used to take my grand-father to where the elderly gathered to discuss important events about the village. He was a wise person and the village elders used him as their consultant. Elders and small children are much respected according Nuer culture in Southern Sudan. Elders in many African societies are respected by their relatives and have strong voices on any important issue discussed in the village.
Peter Tuach, Minnesota/USA
Story from BBC NEWS AFRICA
© BBC MMVII
Can elders grow old with dignity?
Do we give enough care and attention to our senior citizens?
When we grow old, we expect the final years of our life to be less pressured.
Increasingly grandparents are shouldering greater responsibilities, due to changing social and economic pressures.
The Aids pandemic means many elderly people are now looking after their grandchildren, whose parents have died.
The traditions and values which used to ensure the safety and dignity of elders are changing.
Have we forgotten how to treat our elders properly? Are they being denied financial assistance, healthcare and a political voice, when they are most needed? Or do African elders get too much respect? Do you look forward to growing old?
This debate is now closed. Many thanks for your contributions.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Your comments:
I grew up watching my Grandma and my parents closely (pictured right; self and parents top row, plus sister and bro-in-law; all wearing waterproofs for our visit to the Niagara Falls). In the African culture, age was and always has been something to be admired. A person is released from the pressure to justify themselves, free to discover who they are, and perhaps to pass on to the rest of us something of what they discover. Even in European culture, there is a notion of having time to 'make your soul', as you move closer to death.
Josephat Musyoka Mua, Kenya/USA
We Africans speak a lot of languages, but it is the elders who prevent these languages from dying, by teaching them to their grandchildren. Parents are gone all day working to support the family. Most of the time, when they come home, their children are already sleeping. Children who grown up with their grand parents speak their language better than those who grown up without their grandparents.
Khalid Mania, U.S.A
Poor quality geriatric care is a big problem in Africa. Our leaders seem to be oblivious to this fact. The irony is that a lot of African people are providing such care in the developed nations. The experience gained needs to be transfered back to Africa, if not wholly, at least in a suitably modified form.
Togbe Agbeduvi, Ghana
It is only in the modern day Africa that we have old people's homes. In the olden days, we prayed that our grant parents and our parents died in our laps
Denola Adekoya, Nigeria
In most streets in Africa, we see a lot of older people begging for alms. I sometimes feel so bad, I ask myself, "Was it their fault to grow old and why is nature wicked to some old people?" I really fear to grow old. Let us respect and care for our elders.
Charles Nii Ayiku, Switzerland
In Malawi we value our elders greatly because they are a source of wisdom and experience, like a reference book. If we are stuck, we consult our elders. As they say in Greek, experience is a good teacher.
Allanie Njateni, Malawi
In my family we all jointly care for our parents and we have helped each other through education too. But I would say that respect for the elderly is not there these days. I was looking forward to growing old, but I do not think I would be given that same respect my grandfather was given some years back.
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso, Accra Ghana
We make our elders work twice their lifetime. The time they ought to rest and enjoy their last years, they look after their grand children. This is not necessarily because parents have died, but because we want to enjoy ourselves in towns and cities. On the other hand, our African elders will complain if they are not given work. They are still active and will die strong. When he or she dies you find people exclaim, What happened, yesterday he/she was fine.
Mawadri Alfred, Uganda/Peru
We would love to take care of our elders, but the situation in Africa is not allowing young Africans to do that, because of poverty.
Shem, USA
Elders can only grow old with dignity when they are not in politics.
James William Mugeni, Uganda
Elders with lots of money, many children, and relatives are treated with decency until death. However, when none of the latter apply, the treatment they receive is awful.
Odur Onyokuman, Sudan/Australia
There are two sets of people that are vulnerable in third world countries. The young and the old. In between are the struggles. Until the world body sees this as a serious problem they will always bear the blunt of an unforgiving and caring society.
Nyema Elliott
I would like to live my old age not leaning on anyone
Ambo Fidelis Aza'ah, Cameroon
The National Social Insurance Fund (NSIF) in Cameroon is a service that is reponsible for pensions and social benefits for the old, but, as far as I know, those who work there feed fat with the old peoples' money. The old spend money and time compiling documents and travelling tens of kilometres to follow unnecessary procedures, just to come back with very little. Some do not even see the first cent of their pension before God's Call. Of course no right thinking man or woman wants to depend on someone else, instead of being supported by part of his/her earnings. I would like to live my old age not leaning on anyone. Thanks.
Ambo Fidelis Aza'ah, Bamenda/Cameroon
In most parts of Africa, people have forgotten how to treat their elderly. Most often, the older folk are considered witches and it's sometimes said that their sins are hunting them and their retirement salary can not even afford them three square meals a day. Some do get respect, especially those who are educated and have contributed to society.
Joe Noutoua Wandah, Liberian in Accra
It is better to burn out than to fade away. Where I am from, the life expectancy is 33 years. We live fast and we die young.
Tendai Huchu, Zimbabwe
In Africa old age is not necessarily indexed to money or wealth. As long as you are morally upright, in good health and have some wisdom and humour, the chances are your last days on earth can be guaranteed to be comfortable. Africans by nature are but just one big extended family, from great grandparents to great grandchildren. We can live happily as long as there is some food, song, and dance.
Gabriel, Lusaka, Zambia
We have definitely forgotten how to treat our elders because of the Western doctrines we have copied, forgetting our own culture. Some of us do not think about them because they are poor not much of giving them respect.
Andrew Koker, Freetown, Sierra Leone
The moral fibre of our politicians cannot move them to take care of their younger citizens, let alone the old folks
Shuttie Libuta, Zambia
We have no respect for the old folks who are supposed to be the custodians of our cultural heritage. They are overburdened by babysitting or orphaned children, whose parents were not taking care of the elderly when they were still alive. The moral fibre of our politicians cannot move them to take care of their younger citizens, let alone the old folks who are considered a liability to society. I am not looking forward to old age even though it is a phenomenon that cannot be evaded. The tribulations of the elderly are much too numerous especially in Morden Africa.
Shuttie F.N.Libuta, Kitwe Zambia/Central Africa
We will never ever forget our elders, On behalf of Darfurians, I can say our traditions of respect to elders are being maintained. But governments should have the primary duty and responsibility to maintain dignity and safety of our elders, because here in Darfur we are living in very servile conditions which cannot be encountered except in the nightmares.
Mohammed Abdel Karim Ahmed, Sudan
I think old people deserve love, care and above all respect. Unfortunately, however, this is now the reverse in Africa as they are treated with scorn and derision. In fact, most youngsters in Africa do not look forward to growing old, because there is no future for young people. Little wonder then that most youngsters dread the idea of becoming old.
Joseph Abu, Freetown, Sierra Leone
We have become too selfish to care for our elders. In the poor countries even in the few days before going to grave the elder citizens have to work hard to feed themselves and their children and grandchildren. In the developed world I hear a lot about the material development and social welfare given to all citizens equally. However, in both parts of the world for one reason or the other the elders are not getting the respect they deserve and the dignity they are looking for. I believe in the East at least the old traditions and cultural values are given some degree of protection, but in the West only the state has remained with the moral responsibility and the society totally has forgotten this nobility.
Azizi, Japan
The respect, care and dignity of the elderly in Africa as a whole is poor and disgraceful compared to the western world. These are the people who carry the historical archives of the continent and we should be proud of them. We should not neglect them. They live in deplorable conditions, left in farm huts to face starvation and worst of it all are left in poverty to look after their grandchildren, whilst our leaders' bank accounts are swelling in Swiss banks.
Haji Bangura, Sierra Leone
I wish my grandparents were still alive. I really miss them and their words of wisdom. When my grandfather realised I had a girlfriend, he once told me "what an old man can see sitting down a young man can't see while standing." In Africa especially where I come from elders are held in high esteem. You know, it is really a taboo to insult an elderly person. Elderly parents will live to be a shield or protector to the young generation even in spirit. Thus they deserve due respect.
Aaron Anye, Cameroon/South Africa
Old age is the most difficult period in Africa, because most people don't earn enough money to keep some aside for retirement. Old people are often reduced to beggars. The issue of dignity will continue to be far removed from old people, unless African governments develop good social security policies.
E. Julu Swen, Monrovia, Liberia
Old people are a source of inspiration in our African Culture and tradition. They deserve maximum respect and good health care. However with the rampant increase in HIV /AIDS and poverty in Africa attention towards these people has been deviated. This has lead to the loss of moral values in Africa.
Chibwinja Francis, Kitwe/Zambia
Under African tradition, elders are not supposed to work because they worked during their youth. Their children and grand children are the protection they expect to enjoy as a form of social security. In Islam, a believer is obliged to care for his parents. Prophet Muhammad was quoted as saying that "Heaven lies under the feet of your mothers." But despite urbanisation, many families are still mixing tradition and modernity. For example in my urban home in Kampala, in addition to my wife and children, l cater for my mother and her mother. And in the rural home, in addition to my brothers, sisters and step mother, l cater for my mother in law and her mother. So elders still enjoy some protection but not enough. Governments should taxing them during their prime age for future protection.
Ahmed Kateregga Musaazi, Uganda
Yes, people still respect old age but such respect does not translate into taking proper care of the old because of scarce resources and the pressures of making ends meet.
Chinedu Ibeabuchi, Lagos Nigeria
When many young people are dying due to aids the social network that has traditionally supported old people is being disrupted
Amoroso Gombe, Nairobi/Kenya
The cool thing about Africa is that family is still considered very important. Nearly all my friends still take care of their parents when they are in their old age. Most Africans would never dream of dumping their parents in an old peoples home. The thing is, when many young people are dying due to aids and poverty in general, the social network that has traditionally supported old people is being disrupted. As always, everything comes down to economics, so if the Hong Kong (Doha) 'development' trade round succeeds and we manage to reverse European trade injustices, then maybe both the old and the young in Africa will have a future worth living.
Amoroso Gombe, Nairobi, Kenya
Yes, that really reminds me, my Grandpa used to catch me with his walking stick when I refused to buy him snuff or assist him to stand on his feet. I am missing his elderly advice. I will make time to see my Grandpa this weekend to buy him snuff. Thank you BBC for reminding me.
Plato Owulezi, Nigeria/Togo
Whether old or young, we all deserve to be treated with respect and dignity
Esther Kabugi, Kenya
It is disheartening that youngsters today treat senior citizens with scorn and derision. The elders must be respected and accorded their dignity. Their opinions and advice must be respected and considered. In Africa, it is a taboo to abuse elders. The bad social and economic situation of the continent has really changed the culture and traditions as regards relationships with the elders. It is a must for all Africans to respect the elders so that they too can be treated the same way if they attain the same status in life.
Jamiu Folarin, Ogun State, Nigeria.
The old age of many Africans will definitely be filled with pain, poverty and hopelessness until our selfish and greedy leaders stops laundering the sweat of its citizens abroad. It is shameful and pathetic.
Olaoluwa Nelson, Lagos Nigeria
For me, the elderly are like a diamond mine; the more you dig the more treasures you find. If you sit down with an old person for an hour; you will learn what you cannot learn normally in ten years. I also treasure the fact that most Africans care for live and love their elderly relatives until the will of God is done.
Aanena Jemitola, Paris, France
Our villages are now homes for the elderly
Israel Ambe Ayongwa, Cameroon
Our villages and rural settings are increasingly becoming more like the homes for the elderly found in the West. The fact that there is this rural-urban exodus of the young and working population, our villages are now the official old peoples' homes. Go to most of our villages today and you will see only the little ones and the very old. The labour force in villages is dropping. Certainly, I will never like to be ostracised like these old people. I think the government should open up employment opportunities in rural areas so as to stem this movement. Care for the elderly is certainly necessary.
Israel Ambe Ayongwa, Bamenda, Cameroon
Owing to the growth of urban life in Africa, the respect of grand parents who were living in rural areas has gone.
Ndimwe, Tanzania
In Africa Old is Gold
D'amour Sharangabo, Canada
In Africa the older you become, the more you are treasured. Old is Gold, unlike in the west where Old could be silver or less. I don't think we have forgotten our elders. Africans are community-based by nature, with an elder in each community. The drawback is our way of life which conflicts with today's life style. In the 50's, it was easy for the common man to take on his brothers' kids and feed them and educate them. Nowadays, it is a hassle even to feed his own family.
D'amour Sharangabo, Vancouver/Canada
No, we have not forgotten how to treat our elders properly. But modern challenges and social pressures are driving us away from caring for our elders.
Endalkew Retta, United Kingdom
Nowadays, most elderly people resent the notion of being referred to as old people. They strive to be seen as 'young at heart' in this generation of ageless aspirants. Hence, they can be treated as equals by younger folks. The truth remains that our grey headed folks deserve respect.
Magnus, London Canada
Absolutely not. Our elders still get the respect that is due them. My grandmother lived a blissful life before she passed away. She supported us and the grand children and we intern, gave her the best.
Omorodion Osula, Boston/USA
We must not be sentimental. Age doesn't automatically confer wisdom. The authority of 'elders' of one sort or another can be oppressive. But when we completely lose sight of any idea that older people have a crucial role in pointing us to the way we might work to make better sense of our lives, we lose something vital. There is a perspective on our human experience that is bigger than the world of production and consumption.
Josephat Musyoka Mua, Kenyan in USA
African governments need to replace traditional culture with a full care system which will ensure full right of senior citizens. We need to treat them with good care because they are the foundation of our societies. Also, long ago, Elders were decision makers in the community.
Pal Gatkuoth Deng, Lincoln/Nebraska/USA
To Kwaku, if the younger ones do not show proper respect to you or their elders, you rebuke them soundly and you will be right to do so. That's what I like about Africa
Cheme, Nigeria
I was very busy from the age of 5 to 14 as all four of my grand-parents were blind. I used to take my grand-father to where the elderly gathered to discuss important events about the village. He was a wise person and the village elders used him as their consultant. Elders and small children are much respected according Nuer culture in Southern Sudan. Elders in many African societies are respected by their relatives and have strong voices on any important issue discussed in the village.
Peter Tuach, Minnesota/USA
Story from BBC NEWS AFRICA
© BBC MMVII
