What has age got to do with it?
In the course of my doctoral research on older people in Africa here in the UK, I am constantly asked why I have chosen this less trodden path? Have I been divinely inspired in some way or is it personal?
People ask: "Why would a 'young' woman such as me decide to devote her life and resources to researching the living conditions of older people in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa?"
Or sometimes the question is: "Why not focus on something 'fashionable' such as child poverty, gender, health and nutrition?".
As I continue my research on Nigeria - a country where existing systems seem to hinder rather than help - I feel an increasingly strong responsibility to give a "voice" to the cries of vulnerable older people.
Evidence needed to change attitudes
In fact, a recent conversation on older people with an acquaintance (who embarrassingly happens to be Nigerian), has again reminded me of the reasons why I have chosen this path.
His words were: "Those that cannot provide for society should die".
His level of ignorance aside, I should thank him for unwittingly providing me with the strength to forge ahead against the odds.
As I further pondered on his alarming words, I believe that only when valid evidence is presented can there be a shift in attitude towards older people in Nigeria and other parts of the world.
I hope to help bring this change about through my work.
- Previous blog
- Next blog
Comment by Otim Jonathan Posted on 21st Oct 2011
Truely you have chosen the right area for research, the old are left un attended to in most African countries including Uganda were we are trying a community level to sensities the population on care and support for old age persons and trying to build hope in them through regular visits and offering supports with domestic cores.