African Journal of Ageing Studies

Characteristics of Elderly Stroke Patients Admitted to the Stroke Unit, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital

Albert Akpalu — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Stroke remains the second leading cause of death in the world. The main driver for increased stroke prevalence is the aging of the population. However, the best evidence- based strategies for stroke treatment and prevention are not always followed for older patients. Furthermore, considerable gaps in knowledge exist for stroke prevention and treatment in elderly and very elderly patients.
Objectives: To determine the characteristics of elderly stroke patients admitted to the Stroke Unit.
Methods: Data from the Stroke register was reviewed for the period January 2014 to July 2021. The multidisciplinary stroke unit was set up following a Ghana Wessesx partnership sponsored by THET www.wgstroke.org. Data on age, sex, length of stay and mortality were collected and entered Excel, SPSS version 20. Chi squared statistical analysis was conducted.
Results: One thousand and eighty-nine (1089) elderly persons aged 60-104 years were admitted over the period. This accounted for 45.6% of admissions to the stroke unit. Male to female ratio of 1:1.2. Average length of stay 7-14 days. Stroke type of ischemic 69.5% versus haemorrhagic 23.2% and others 7.3% (Subarachnoid and subdural bleeds). One hundred and ninety-six (196) deaths occurred with
a mortality rate of 17.9% with more males than females dying of stroke. The most common risk factor was hypertension.
Conclusion: Stroke in the elderly should be given more attention as it forms 45% of our admissions. Further study of the peculiarities and challenges managing stroke in the elderly deserves further evaluation.

Exploration of the Dynamics of Intimacy and Aging among Older Adults

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aging is an inevitable and multifaceted process that affects various aspects
of human life, including sexuality. Even
though many assume that older people
are asexual, many studies report otherwise. Factors associated with aging and
sexual activity are different for men and
women. This paper seeks to explore the
gynecological, medical and psychosocial
factors that affect intimacy in older adults,
stressing the significance of knowledge,
understanding, and open communication
in overcoming these obstacles. The paper
provides an overview of the relationship
between aging and sexuality, highlighting
the complex relationship between biological, emotional, cognitive and psychosocial factors. Age-related changes in sexual
function and desire are common, but the
impact varies greatly among older individuals. Biologically, hormonal changes
such as a decrease in estrogen and testosterone levels may contribute to the changes in sexual responses, including vaginal
dryness, decrease in libido and erectile
dysfunction. Psychosocial factors such as
beliefs, attitudes and expectations about
aging and sexuality, and the quality of interpersonal relationships can impact sexual well-being. Maintaining a healthy
and satisfying sexual life in an older age
requires a holistic approach. Comprehensive sexual education and open discussions about sexual health for Ghana’s
older population should be promoted to
dispel myths, reduce stigma and address
common concerns relating to aging and
intimacy.

Trokosi Practice: The Role of Older Adults as Victims, Custodians and Perpetrators

Lilian Ayete-Nyampong — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This paper briefly discusses the practice of trokosi, and based on a desk review of relevant literature, highlights the gap in the role of elderly persons as custodians, victims, or perpetrators of this practice. The central argument of this paper is that elderly or older adults play a critical role as custodians, direct or indirect victims as well as direct or indirect perpetrators of harmful cultural practices (HCPs) such as trokosi. Notwithstanding this crucial role that elderly persons play in practice, the literature reviewed is mostly uni- dimensional and preoccupied with the direct victimhood of elderly persons and therefore silent on the complexity of their roles. Yet, by their roles as custodians and elderly persons, they can promote human rights and the well-being of trokosis. This uni-dimensional portrayal by literature has the tendency to undermine the implementation of laws and policies that seek to promote the dignity and well-being of trokosis including elderly people themselves. The paper concludes with recommendations to complement the formal implementation of existing laws with practical approaches that engage older adults as key actors in the implementation process of laws and actions pertaining to HCPs.

Socioeconomic Determinants of Poverty among the Older Persons in Rural and Urban Ghana

Kwadwo Opoku, George Domfe — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Several socioeconomic factors such as
household size and composition, ownership of productive assets, and availability
of social intervention programmes have
been identified as key determinants of
the general well-being of older persons
in Ghana. However, it is not clear how
these socio-economic factors differently
affect old age poverty in rural and urban
settings. This study employs the dataset
from the latest round of the Ghana Living Standard Survey (GLSS 7) to identify which poverty indicator at which
place in Ghana affects old age poverty.
Using both linear probability and probit
analytical models, our study found that
socio-economic factors including pension,
assets, and remittances have differential
effects on the poverty status of older persons living in urban and rural areas of
Ghana. While ownership of livestock is
found to be a statistically significant determinant of poverty among older persons
in rural areas, it does not influence poverty among older persons living in urban
areas. A suggestion is therefore made for
different strategies and programmes to be
employed in addressing old age poverty
in rural and urban settings.

Mental Health Issues among Older People: A Case of the Ghanaian Elderly

F. Akosua Agyemang, Clare Kyomuhendo — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Mental health is one aspect of health care in Ghana that is generally (often) neglected, and this is even worse, especially in the case of elder health care. Research-based information on elder mental health care in Ghana also remains insufficient. In this paper, literature is systematically reviewed on the causes of mental health illnesses in the elderly, some major mental health disorders among the elderly, and how to assist older people in maintaining optimum mental health in Ghana. Loss of a significant other, marriage and family problems, poverty and financial difficulties, health problems, and elder abuse were found to be some of the major causes of mental health illnesses among the Ghanaian elderly and in contrast, depression, anxiety, psychosis, dementia, and memory loss emerged as some major mental health issues. This paper also found counselling, social support, physical activities, marriage, and proper medication
as effective ways of assisting older people to maintain optimal mental health status. The paper finally summarizes the findings and provides recommendations on the way forward as far as elderly mental health issues are concerned.

The Ghanaian Woman’s Prime Life Leadership Achievements and Later Life Woes

Samuel Ayete-Nyampong — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

There are more elderly women than men, and most of them live in rural areas. What then are the experiences of these elderly women in contemporary Ghana? This paper first acknowledges that many scholars have conducted research into issues affecting the ageing population. The article identifies a gap in research to unearth the reasons for the perception that the Ghanaian society holds about older women which predisposes them to abuse and neglect, meanwhile years back these same women. Results of a survey conducted among some students revealed perceptions on ageing women and develop a community care model for older adults. In conclusion, the later life
woes of the prime life achiever may also be due to lack of support from the people for which the woman sacrifices.

Unpacking Digital Exclusion: Social Media Use among University Post-Retirement Contract Lecturers

Yvette A. A. Ussher, Michael A. Tagoe — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study assessed whether older adults are fully included in the digital age as they use social media. Focusing on Reder’s four stages to digital inclusion via a survey, data was collected from post-retirement contract lecturers at the University of Ghana. Findings show that these retirees are digitally largely included as they have smartphones (access stage), have developed their confidence to use them
for their social media activities (taste stage) and possess basic digital skills (readiness stage) to use their preferred platform-WhatsApp-to text. These retirees, however, do not perceive and boldly consider themselves as fully digitally included as they are not able to explore all the features and benefits these social media platforms have to offer. Adult educators therefore must educate older adults on the use of digital technologies and ageism stereotypes. They further need to train older adults to attain the relevant digital literacy to explore all these online platform benefits, consequently becoming fully digitally included. This study has unearthed digital inclusion among the Sex agenarian and septuagenarian, adding to the debate on the age divide.

An Investigation of the Church Attendance Dynamics among Ghana’s Urban Geriatric Population

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This paper sought to investigate the dynamics of Ghana’s urban geriatric population’s church attendance. This study
utilized a quantitative approach, with a
cross-sectional design, simple random
sampling methods on a sample of 450 older persons. The data were analyzed with
SPSS, using frequency, reliability, correlation and ANOVA routines including
confirmatory factor analysis. The results
also revealed that the studied geriatric
population spent a maximum of 3 hours
in church (44.4%) but found this inconveniencing because of their inability to sit
for long, the need to eat and take medication among others. The findings also
showed a positive score related to time
spent at church and inversely related to
reported outcomes. Further, age, gender,
distraction, sociability, use of religion to
achieve social ends, social enjoyment,
self-justification, social interaction, security and solace, comfort, relief, and burial
after death influenced church attendance.
Younger old individuals who reported
the benefits of church attendance had statistically higher scores on the scale (n =
150; M [SD] 37-item = 15.94 [8.37] compared to those for the old folks who attend
church (n = 150; M [SD] 37-item = 11.07
[4.91]; p < .01, Cohen’s d =.34. The scores
for the scale were highly correlated (r =
.97). Church attendance differences serve
as a predictor of well- being among older
individuals in the Ghanaian population.
The study recounts the confirmation of
responsive dimensions of church attendance, particularly the everyday feelings
and sensations.

Sageism at the Workplace: Rethinking Mandatory Retirement Age Policy in Selected Ghanaian Professions

Collins Badu Agyemang, Feikoab Parimah, Richmond Acquah Coleman — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

With an increasing global trend towards the extension of the retirement age, the question of the mandatory retirement age in Ghana is under scrutiny. This paper develops the concept of sageism from the Ghanaian context, a belief that values the wisdom and knowledge accrued with age, and its implications for rethinking the mandatory retirement age policy in Ghana. By examining the intrinsic value of age and experience in some professions, it is argued that the current retirement age should be reconsidered to better harness the benefits of older professionals’ knowledge and wisdom. The potential benefits of this policy shift in some selected professions include addressing workforce shortages, reducing the cost of re-hiring on contract bases, and fostering generativity in the workplace through mentorship. Aligning with the Ghanaian concept of sageism, this paper proposes a flexible retirement policy that appreciates the cognitive heterogeneity associated with ageing and the value of wisdom that older professionals bring to these sectors. The paper concludes by advocating for the indispensability of the accumulated knowledge and wisdom of senior professionals and their potential
contribution to the societal and economic growth of Ghana. The mastered essential skills and decades of hands-on work experience of professionals in academia, the judiciary, clinical practitioners and similar working groups, necessitate a rethink of Ghana’s mandatory retirement age. The paper underscores the need for further research on the implications of adjusting the retirement age for other sectors in Ghana and beyond.

Exploring the Role of Reminiscence Drama in Enhancing the Self-Esteem and Ego-Integrity of Ghanaian Retirees

Daniel Appiah-Adjei, Isaac Mensah Boafo, Felicia Owusu Ansah — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The world’s population has been ageing rapidly since the 1950s and is estimated to reach 2.1 billion by the year 2050. In view of this, many countries are saddled with the burden of how to take care of the aged and enhance their quality of life. In Ghana, as in many other African countries, many believe that after retirement, the next is sorrow, sickness, and summary death. To restore life of the retiree, the arts, especially, drama which has always been neglected and relegated to the background as a noncontributor to national development has the power to help. Most people in Ghana always view drama as a medium for entertainment only. This paper therefore examines how drama can be used to enhance the livelihood and quality of life of the aged after retirement. We employed Reminiscence Drama production followed by in-depth interviews. We discovered that the aged, through reminiscence drama, can restore their self-esteem once again and develop a positive outlook towards the lives they have lived.

Reflections on CHRAJ’s Efforts in Past Years to Promote and Protect the Rights of Persons Banished to Witch Camps in Ghana

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This year marks 30 years since the establishment of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ). This article reflects on the actions and efforts of CHRAJ over the past three decades in a bid to promote and protect the rights of persons in non-legal forms of confinement who are banished to witch camps. The knowledge of witch camps in Ghana dates to the early 19th century, between 1876 and 1915 (CHRAJ, 1997). Persons who are accused of witchcraft and who inhabit these camps are usually older women, mostly over 60 years. These women, who are kept in some form of ritual confinement, are accused of being the cause of misfortunes like injury, death, sickness, drought, barrenness, etc., mostly in various communities in the Northern regions of Ghana. By means of a desk review, the authors collate, and document promotional and preventive efforts undertaken by CHRAJ over the past years. Discussions encompass witchcraft accusations, violence against accused witches, rituals, conditions in camps, children in camps, stigma and discrimination and reintegration. The authors question the label “witch camps” and share practical approaches for promoting and protecting the rights of accused witches in Ghana. They conclude with recommendations to situate such non-legal forms of cultural or ritual confinement or detention within the context of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) (OHCHR, 2002).

A Study on Social Relations Quality of Life of Elderly People with Disability in Ghana

Bismark Nantomah, Nicholas Yakubu Danzima, Elijah Yendaw — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The social relations Quality of Life (QOL) of elderly people is adversely affected when they are challenged with some form of disability. Since disability is framed as a social construct, elderly people with disability are subjected to neglect and discrimination. Hence, the study examined the determinants of social relations QOL of elderly people with disability in selected Districts (Wa Municipality, NadowliKaleo, Jirapa and Wa East Districts) in the Upper West Region of Ghana. The study was quantitative and utilized a researcher administered questionnaire to collect data from 810 respondents. The Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) software was used to process and analyse data. The findings revealed that males had a higher social relations QOL mean score than females. The results indicated that elderly people aged 60 – 69 years experienced the highest social relations QOL mean score as compared to those aged 80 years and older. The findings also showed that those who were married had the highest social relations QOL mean score and lowest among those who were separated/divorced. Moreover, those with physical disability other than those with visual disability experienced higher social
relations QOL. The study recommends that elderly people with disability who are females, those aged 80 years and older, those who are separated or divorced including those with visual disability should be given adequate social support by their families and should receive state support from the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development, and benevolent organizations in Ghana to improve their social relations QOL.