Ageing and Old Age

This book addresses salient social dynamics that influence the living conditions of the ageing and the aged in Kenya. It analyses the social aspects critical to living experience of the aged in the family, community and society at large. The book discusses problems of the aged, societal attitudes, how the family as a basic institution of care and living copes with the aged in a changing society, gendered nature of old age experience and status of government policies toward the welfare of the aged. Dr. Masinde argues that the common assumption that the aged in Africa are respected and living comfortable lives is not valid. In this regard, through qualitative analysis, he explains how the changing family, community and societal dynamics has influenced the living conditions of the aged. Therefore, he recommends the re-engineering of African traditional family values within the context of a fast changing and globalised world. This book is a must-read for students of gerontology and ageing studies and social practioners interested in issues of ageing and the aged in society.