Intergenerational Family Support and the Health and Well-Being of Older Adults in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Many countries in sub Saharan Africa (SSA) have experienced an ageing of their population and this is projected to increase in the future. Family support is the main source of support for most older adults in SSA. Yet, relatively little is known about intergenerational family support provided to older adults in SSA and its effects on their health and well-being. This review adds to the scientific discussion synthesizing the health and well-being effects of family support provided to older adults in SSA. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify and analyze studies that focus on the provision of family support to older adults and its effects on their health and well-being. Eight (8) databases and other sources were searched for English Language publications between January 2000 and May 2020. Narrative synthesis was used to summarize the findings of the studies included. Out of 2426 records screened and 26 full-text publications retrieved and assessed, 8 studies were included in the review. The results suggest that receiving social and financial support from family as well as having frequent contact with family were positively related to better psychological well-being, self-rated health, and quality of life of older adults in SSA.