Browsing by Author "Adeniji, Dolapo"

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    Combating Social Isolation among Older Immigrant Adults: A Qualitative Interpretive Meta-Synthesis
    (Oxford University Press, 2021-12-17) Miller, Vivian; Tonui, Betty; Adeniji, Dolapo; School of Social Work
    Older immigrants totaled 7.3 million in 2018, representing 13.9 percent of the population of seniors in the U.S. While this population is found to contribute significantly to society, along with new opportunities comes circumstantial challenges. Of these, one of the most salient issues for foreign-born older adults is social isolation. Additionally, this population may be at an increased risk for social isolation with poor mental health because migrating to a new country might results in resettlement challenges. Despite these concerns, less is known about the consequences of social isolation among older immigrant adults. Guided by the Population Interest Context (PICO) framework and the Qualitative Interpretive Meta-Synthesis (QIMS) guidelines, this study seeks to explore consequences of social isolation among older immigrant, as well as interventions to combat isolation. The final sample of six full text articles were published between 2011 and 2021, totaling 180 participants with ages ranging from 61 to 93 years old. Findings from the study indicated that older immigrants are at risk of social isolation and loneliness because they have fewer social connections due to leaving behind their familiar social group in the home country, encounter linguistic challenges that negatively contribute to greater social isolation and poor mental health. Despite these difficulties older immigrants reported various social interventions, i.e., access to senior centers, community programs and services to be of greater importance in building social networks. Authors discuss opportunities for future research, such as exploring evidence-based studies on interventions for social isolation and loneliness of older immigrant populations.
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    Intergenerational Equity: An Urgent Call for Aging Policies in Sub-Saharan Africa
    (Oxford University Press, 2024-12-31) Teshome, Abraham; Adeniji, Dolapo; Ashirifi, Gifty; Adamek, Margaret; School of Social Work
    Contrary to popular belief, family-based care and support for older people in Sub-Saharan Africa is gradually eroding due to various factors, including urbanization, migration, and modernization. As the issues of older people and aging are not mainstreamed into national economic and development agenda and policies, most older people in the region live in abject poverty, which has undermined their healthy aging and quality of life. Although many Sub-Saharan African countries are signatories to the 2002 Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA), only a few have developed national aging policies to meet the needs of their older population. Against this backdrop, we conducted cross-sectional qualitative study to learn why public policy in Sub-Saharan Africa is sluggish in responding to the needs of the region’s growing older population. We conducted an online survey (n=78) and three FGDs (n=13) with African scholars and practitioners from 12 nations. Based on descriptive and thematic analyses, our study revealed five themes: a) lack of political will, b) disconnect between researchers and policymakers, c) lack of research and comprehensive data related to older people, d) inappropriate aging policy, and e) budget constraints. Our study’s findings call for more research and comprehensive data regarding the needs and challenges of the region’s older population, policy advocacy, and awareness-raising about older adults’ issues among policymakers, involvement of all stakeholders in aging policy development, and regular dialogues between policymakers, researchers, older adults, and other stakeholders.
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    Is a Universal Term for Older Adults Culturally Appropriate? Considering Preferred Terms in Africa
    (Oxford University Press, 2024-12-31) Adamek, Margaret; Ashirifi, Gifty; Adeniji, Dolapo; Teshome, Abraham; School of Social Work
    Terminology matters. For consistency’s sake, one may argue that aging scholars should use one universal term for older adults regardless of what part of the world they are studying. Others may argue that the terms used by scholars in the Global South to refer to older adults should not be dictated by scholars in the Global North. If the term “elder” is a term of respect for older adults in Sub-Saharan Africa, should African scholars writing about aging be required to use the preferred term of the Global North? Can a universal term for older adults be culturally appropriate globally? With such questions in mind, we conducted a mixed methods study of preferred terms for older adults. Respondents included 78 African scholars and practitioners who completed an online survey. For this study we analyzed responses of 13 scholars from 6 African nations who participated in online focus groups. Using descriptive narrative analysis, our results indicate a wide variety of preferred terms for older adults including elder (Ethiopia), elderly, senior citizen, seniors, pensioners, and golden agers (Malawi). Many terms for older adults exist in local dialects—some connoting respect for elders, others that are derogatory. Respondents indicated older Africans prefer terms that convey respect, honor, and endearment. In scholarly dissemination efforts, we recommend a balanced approach with a universal term such as older adults for international audiences and yet leeway for native scholars to use the term for older people (e.g., “elder”) that is a best fit for their culture.