A sociological survey of the socioeconomic dilemma of the aged in less developed countries

Abstract

In this article, author Akhabue A. Okharedia attempts to highlight the current socioeconomic dilemma of the aged in less developed countries, with special reference to African countries. The identified problems include role conflicts and the effects of Western industrialization and modernization process on the various traditional institutions. For example, the introduction of popular franchise and the influence of Western society has adversely affected the traditional political system based on gerontocracy. The constitutional procedure has also reduced the wisdom and power of the aged in Africa. Possible solutions are also offered on how to eliminate the above problems so as to improve the socioeconomic status of the aged in Africa.