Promoting the Well-Being of Older People in Ethiopia: Lost Opportunities Due to the Poverty of Policy

Abstract

The world’s population is aging with the fastest growth in the older population projected to take place in Africa. In this article, we present the challenges of the growing older population in Ethiopia, outline some key changes that are needed to address those challenges, and consider the opportunities that can come about when older adults’ basic needs are met and they are supported in contributing to their communities. Older adults in Ethiopia are faced with multidimensional challenges that call for collaborative efforts from different stakeholders at local, regional, and national levels. However, some measures should be given the utmost priority: combating negative attitudes towards older people, strengthening geriatric/gerontology and social work education and research, and developing aging-specific policies and services. While the challenges faced by older adults in Ethiopia seem like a problem of aging compounded by poverty, the root source of the problem is a poverty of policy fueled by ageism. If income support and appropriate health care was provided to older adults throughout Ethiopia, health and well-being in late life would improve, food and housing insecurity among older adults would lessen, and all Ethiopians could anticipate a dignified late life.

Sankofa: Learning From the Past to Build the Future—Introduction to the Special Issue on Aging in Sub-Saharan Africa

“…One tool for improving adaptation in this dynamic environment is to strengthen research and education surrounding aging. Adamek and colleagues (Adamek, 2024 ) summarize the unique and common challenges that older adults face in Ethiopia and outline a positive path forward. They emphasize the importance of combating negative attitudes about older people, strengthening education and research, and developing policies and services for older adults.…”