Browsing by Author "Chane, Samson"

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    Centenarians In The Global South: A View From Ethiopia
    (Oxford University Press, 2021) Chane, Samson; Adamek, Margaret; School of Social Work
    As global aging advances, the number of centenarians worldwide is greatly increasing. Most of what is known about centenarians comes the Global North. It is not clear what factors contribute to longevity of centenarians in impoverished, mostly rural areas of Global South nations that still lack basic amenities. Cultural differences in the profile, lifestyles, and needs of centenarians in Africa have yet to be documented. Using a case study design, this descriptive inquiry investigated the profiles of centenarians in Ethiopia including religion, marriage, education, occupation, income, and living arrangement. Data were generated through in-depth interviews with nine centenarians (1 woman, 8 men) and were analyzed using descriptive narrative analysis. Respondents were between 100 and 108 years old. All nine were adherents of Orthodox Christianity, had been married, and were great-grandparents. Their adult lives were marked by both residential and marital stability. The Ethiopian centenarians persevered through many losses and hardships with the help of strong community-based social networks. Unlike studies of centenarians in the Global North, most respondents were male and had strict religious upbringings. Understanding the unique profiles of centenarians in the Global South will help to inform research and practice with this growing population of the oldest-old.
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    Challenges and Assets of Older Adults in Sub-Saharan Africa: Perspectives of Gerontology Scholars
    (Taylor & Francis, 2022) Adamek, Margaret E.; Gebremariam Kotecho, Messay; Chane, Samson; Gebeyaw, Getachew; School of Social Work
    Life expectancy is increasing globally, with the biggest gains expected in sub-Saharan Africa. Using an online survey, we investigated the perspectives of gerontology scholars on the challenges of aging in sub-Saharan Africa as well as the assets of older adults. Respondents (n = 72) from 17 countries, primarily in Africa, and representing 16 disciplines, identified the top issues facing African older adults as: poverty, lack of trained geriatric professionals, food insecurity, disability/health issues, and long-term care. Older adults' unique strengths were noted as indigenous knowledge systems, being holders of cultural heritage, and their contributions to development. Respondents' biggest concerns about older adults in sub-Saharan Africa were the lack of government attention to aging issues (63%) and a lack of social services targeted to older adults' needs (57%). Government funding (77.8%) and international partnerships (38.9%) were noted as resources needed to support aging research in sub-Saharan Africa. The response or non-response of governments in sub-Saharan Africa will determine whether the growing number of older adults will increasingly experience unmet needs and whether their assets will be considered in development efforts. Establishing professional networks of gerontology scholars in the region will help to document the challenges faced by older adults, to plan for the coming demographic shift, and to empower older adults to thrive as valued community members.
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    Ethiopian centenarians: Health conditions and sensory/cognitive functionality
    (Oxford, 2022-11) Chane, Samson; Adamek, Margaret; School of Social Work
    Globally, the centenarian population is expected to increase in the coming three decades reaching 3 million by 2050. In Ethiopia, like other Sub-Saharan African countries, information about the health condition, sensory and cognitive functionality of centenarians is scanty. This study examined the health conditions and sensory/cognitive functionality of Ethiopian centenarians. A qualitative case study design was employed. Nine centenarians (1 woman, 8 men) between age 100 and 108 were identified using snowball sampling. Data were generated through in-depth interviews and analyzed using descriptive analysis. All 9 were Orthodox Christians and lived in rural areas either with their wives (3) or other relatives. Four centenarians could read and write, two attended grade eight and nine, and three were non-literate. Before retirement the centenarians engaged in different occupations as farmers (4), shoemaker, government employee, school teacher, priest, “bounty hunter” and mechanic. Most perceived that their sensory and cognitive functionality was normal until their later 90s except for minor complaints. Centenarians faced walking difficulty (5), joint tightness (4), back pain (4), fatigue, dental issues, stuttering, hypertension (3), insomnia, diabetes, anorexia, severe headache, constipation and anxiety. Two centenarians identified themselves as escapers. Centenarians faced hearing defect (4), sight problems, and a decrease in taste and smell. Two reported proper functioning of their sensory organs. Despite various health problems, the Ethiopian centenarians aspired to live longer resiliently. Findings call for further study and the need for social workers, caregivers, and health care practitioners to consider the health conditions, sensory and cognitive functionality of centenarians.
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    Non-Response to Population Aging in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Survey of Gerontology Scholars
    (Oxford University Press, 2021) Adamek, Margaret; Kotecho, Messay; Chane, Samson; Gebeyaw, Getachew; School of Social Work
    Life expectancy is increasing globally, with the biggest gains expected in sub-Saharan Africa. In fact, most of the population growth globally in the next few decades will occur in sub-Saharan Africa. Using an online survey we investigated the perspectives of gerontology scholars on the challenges of aging in sub-Saharan Africa as well as the assets of elders. Respondents (n=72) from 17 countries, primarily in Africa, and representing 16 disciplines, identified the top issues facing African elders as: poverty, lack of trained professionals, food insecurity, disability/health issues, and long-term care. Older adults’ unique strengths were noted as indigenous knowledge systems, being holders of cultural heritage, and their contributions to development. Respondents’ biggest concerns about older adults in sub-Saharan Africa were the lack of government attention to aging issues (63%) and a lack of social services targeted to elders’ needs (57%). Government funding (77.8%) and international partnerships (38.9%) were noted as resources needed to support aging research in sub-Saharan Africa. The response or non-response of governments in sub-Saharan Africa will determine whether the growing number of older adults will increasingly experience unmet needs and whether their assets will be considered in development efforts. Establishing professional networks of gerontology scholars in the region will help to document the challenges faced by elders, to plan for the coming demographic shift, and to empower elders to thrive as valued community members.
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    Profiles of Ethiopian centenarians: A qualitative inquiry
    (Association for Anthropology, Gerontology, and The Life Course, 2021-11-11) Chane, Samson; Adamek, Margaret E.; School of Social Work
    As global aging advances, the number of centenarians worldwide is greatly increasing. Most of what is known about centenarians comes the Global North. It is not clear what factors contribute to longevity of centenarians in impoverished, mostly rural areas of Global South nations that still lack basic amenities. Cultural differences in the profile, lifestyles, and needs of centenarians in Africa have yet to be documented. Using a case study design, this descriptive inquiry investigated the profiles of centenarians in Ethiopia including religion, marriage, education, occupation, income, and living arrangement. Data were generated through in-depth interviews with nine centenarians (1 woman, 8 men) and were analyzed using descriptive narrative analysis. Respondents were between 100 and 108 years old. All nine were adherents of Orthodox Christianity, had been married, and were great-grandparents. Their adult lives were marked by both residential and marital stability. The Ethiopian centenarians persevered through many losses and hardships with the help of strong community-based social networks.. Unlike studies of centenarians in the Global North, most respondents were male and had strict religious upbringings. Understanding the unique profiles of centenarians in the Global South will help to inform research and practice with this growing population of the oldest-old.