The study presents data on the phenomenon of population ageing in Ghana, using the household rosters of the 1993-2003 Ghana Demographic and Health Surveys, and results of the 1960-2000 national census. The study characterises the living arrangements of the elderly in demographic and socio-economic terms in order to portray the economic and social disadvantages experienced by this group. Results The proportion of the elderly to the total population increased from 9% in 1960 to 12% in 2000, while the number rose from 0.6 million to 2.3 million over the same period. There are generally more elderly women than men during the period 1993-2003, as about 52% of the total elderly population are females. The overwhelming majority of the older population has no formal education. Of Ghana’s 10 administrative regions, elderly persons are more concentrated in the Ashanti Region than any other region (15% in 1993, 13% in 1998, and 14% in 2003). About 11% of older adults live alone, while women are more likely to live alone than men. Although extended household living is still prevalent, there are great variations in living arrangements by gender. Regression analyses suggest that the probability of solitary living, and hence the need for support and care, is more pronounced among the elderly from the Northern, Upper West and Upper East Regions, rural dwellers, persons without formal education, and those aged 80 years and over. Conclusion The prevalence of extended living arrangements of the elderly in Ghana may reflect an attempt to alleviate economic hardships on the one hand, while this may be indicative of a cultural dimension of exchange relationships typical of traditional societies on the other hand.