Roles of Elderly Persons in Contemporary Accra and Conditions under which they Succeed

Abstract

Population ageing is on the increase and it has become a very important issue for immediate attention. Mordernisatsion has affected the roles that elderly people play making them lose their significance. Knowledge on the contemporary roles of the elderly is necessary since it will help individuals to better appreciate our senior citizens. This study was aimed at soliciting the views and opinions of about a hundred elderly with respect to their contemporary roles and how they succeed in performing those functions. It also reviewed policies on ageing that prescribe roles for older persons. It was found that the policies only make provision for continued success and the elderly still play some roles in the family, community and their religious affiliations. Also the main conditions under which old persons succeed are good health and adequate finances. Overall, the findings of the dissertation suggest that the elderly still play numerous roles in this contemporary time. Their functions should be acknowledged and an enabling environment be created for them to achieve success in these roles.