The functionality of support systems for the elderly in Gomoa East District

Abstract

This study sought to investigate the functionality of the support systems for the elderly in Ghana particularly in the Gomoa East District (GED). Purposive sampling technique was used to select the study area whereas snowball technique was adopted for the selection of respondents for the study. In all sixty-four (64) respondents took part in the study. Questionnaires were used to gather data. The study showed that most of the elderly in the area are suffering from low self-esteem, lack of opportunities they had when they were young, health challenges, poverty and loneliness. Additionally, the study revealed that most of the support the elderly receive comes from immediate family members as they find it difficult accessing government support. In terms of treatment given to the elderly, the study showed that most of the children are doing well by returning the help they got from their parents when they were younger. However, the elderly who are unable to receive that kind of support are compelled to work out things on their own in order to make ends meet. From these it was therefore recommended among others that the health insurance policy needs a review especially with the age designated for the aged. A fund be created to help the aged in the society and also, religious bodies need to do more to help the aged with their needs.