Type | Journal Article - Sociology Study |
Title | Demographic, Economic, and Social Challenges of the Population Ageing in Cameroon |
Author(s) | |
Volume | 4 |
Issue | 10 |
Publication (Day/Month/Year) | 2014 |
Page numbers | 902-916 |
URL | http://forensicrpca.com/Promote/SSI2014.pdf#page=81 |
Abstract | The elderly represent a growing proportion of the overall population and household’s heads in Cameroon. This demographic change has some impact on the economic and social situation of the latter, in particular, the functioning of the family structure and solidarity between generations. The successive crises (food and financial) coupled with structural adjustment programs have in fact worsened the problems of the elderly, without having for compensation, provided the corresponding benefits for other age groups. This study contributes to the analysis of changes over time in the family support system, especially with regard to household’s heads aged in Cameroon. To achieve this, the discussion turns around three questions: (1) what is the extent and nature of the ageing in Cameroon? (2) what are the demographic, economic, and social implications? and (3) what is the impact of economic and social change on intergenerational relationships? The data used come from the Population Census (1976, 1987, and 2005), and the Cameroonian Household Survey of 2007. The gradual deterioration of the support system for the family, especially due to modernization, and the current and future numbers of older should bring more policymakers to meet the specific needs of this group in Cameroon. |