Psychosocial Determinants of Healthy Ageing in Cameroon: Implications for Developing a Model for Resilience in Late Adulthood
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47672/ajep.2282Abstract
Purpose: In Cameroon, like in other African Countries, ageing is an emerging issue due to the erosion of the traditional family and cultural system that used to be very supportive to the old. More so, the presence of threats such as; disease outbreaks (infectious diseases, epidemics, endemics and pandemics), wars and violent occurrences, has placed persons in late adulthood to be more vulnerable. Prior research has established that social relationships and a sense of life satisfaction are not only predictive of longevity, but are also important for determining health-related quality of life among persons in late adulthood. This study investigated the psychosocial determinants of healthy ageing in Cameroon, the challenges faced by old people and its implications for developing a model for resilience in late adulthood.
Material and Methods: Both quantitative and qualitative research paradigms were taken into consideration to conduct this study (concurrent mixed method research design) to identify and explore the psychosocial determinants of healthy ageing in Cameroon, the challenges faced by persons in late adulthood and its implications for developing a model of resilience in late adulthood.
Findings: Based on data analysis, the variability explained by the model was significant (Omnibus Tests of Model Coefficient: Likelihood Ratio Tests: Chi-Square=79.221; df=5; P<0.001; N=300). The explanatory power of the model was 31.0% (Nagelkerke R Square =0.310). Though this predictive power was moderate, the predictive effect of all the indicators was significant, therefore indicating that, psychosocial determinants of healthy aging are important in the development of resilience among elderly persons.
Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: It was therefore recommended that, since a significant number of older persons are not employed and, consequently, do not receive retirement benefits, policy focus should consider supporting the aged technically and financially, to engage in income generating activities.
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