GERONTOGROWTH AND THE CHALLENGES FOR ELDERLY WELFARE IN CAMEROON

Samuel Kelodjoue, Consultant/Chercheur

The elderly represent a growing proportion of the overall population and household’s heads in Cameroon. This is at a time when the traditional system of relying on children is under-going changes and in the absence of a universal social security systemThe 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. The Age-related demographics have implications for the welfare of both the aged and those who are to provide support. 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.