Research Protocol for the Family Caregiving of Older Persons in Southern Africa research programme

Research protocol for the Family Caregiving of Older Persons in Southern Africa research programme.

The population aged 60 years or older in sub-Saharan Africa is insreasing at a more rapid rate than any other region of the world. Health and state stystems are not prepared for the rapidly aging population and increase in non-commiunicable disease rate that is happening in the region. There is virtually no elder care provision, and a limited range of social protection mechanisms that support care. Older persons in the region are already heavily dependent on family care. However, we do not have a socialogical understanding of how family care takes place in different households across the region. If we want to undestand how we can support aging populations, we need to undestand family care practices of older persons.