Older Adults In Ghana Research Articles

Alcohol consumption and fruits and vegetable intake among older adults in Ghana: a cross-sectional survey based on WHO-SAGE Wave 2 data

BackgroundAlcohol consumption and inadequate fruits and vegetable (FnV) intake are major reasons for the shift from communicable to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) over the years. The older Ghanaian adult is at...

Association between socioeconomic status and cognitive functioning among older adults in Ghana.

Extensive analysis of the associations between socioeconomic status and cognition has been conducted among older adults. However, it is not clear whether associations in high-income countries are similar in low-and middle-income countries. This research aims to investigate the association between the socioeconomic status of older adults in Ghana and their cognitive function by using a sample of older adults that is nationally representative. Data were obtained from a sample of older Ghanaian adults (50+) from the Study of Global AGEing and Adult Health Wave 1 (n = 3710) of the World Health Organization. Objectively, cognition was measured by verbal recall, verbal fluency, forward digit span, and backward digit span, while variations in cognition overall were evaluated against socioeconomic factors using linear regression. Older age, older women, rural life, increasing memory difficulty, and being diagnosed with stroke were the most significant determinants of impaired cognitive function. Higher education and higher income were significantly associated with a better cognitive function than those with no formal education and low income. These results provide new evidence for public health programs in Ghana and other low-and middle-income countries to tackle cognitive impairments in growing populations.

High BMI: an important health risk factor among older adults in Ghana.

We examined BMI as a health risk factor for self-reported diabetes mellitus, angina, strokes and arthritis among older Ghanaians aged 50 years and above. We analysed the individual-level data from the World Health Organization Study on global AGEing and adult health Ghana Wave 2 (2014/2015). The influence of BMI on self-reported chronic conditions including diabetes, angina, stroke and arthritis was examined. Households from all the administrative regions of Ghana. Included 3350 adults aged 50 years and older. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among participants was 22·8 % (95 % CI 20·6, 25·2) and 13·2 %, respectively (95 % CI 11·5, 15·1). With respect to individual chronic conditions, arthritis emerged with the highest prevalence rate of 7·3 (95 % CI 5·3, 9·9), while the prevalence rate of diabetes, angina and stroke was 2·8 % (95 % CI 2·0, 3·9), 1·7 % (95 % CI 1·1, 2·6) and 1·3 % (95 % CI 1·0, 1·8), respectively. The risk of diabetes among overweight and obesity was over three and two times, respectively, higher compared with participants with normal weights. Overweight and obesity were significantly more than two and three times likely to experience angina, respectively, compared with participants with normal weight. Obesity significantly influences arthritis with approximately two times increased odds compared with normal weight participants. Prevalence of obesity and overweight in Ghana is high and increasing, which poses a health risk at the individual and population levels. Inter-sectorial and multidisciplinary measures in line with the national non-communicable disease policies aimed at curbing this trend are imperative.

Health and socioeconomic risk factors for overnight admission among older adults in Ghana

Ghana’s older adult population is growing significantly. However, there is limited knowledge or research on the effect of place, chronic health conditions, and socioeconomic status on the risk of overnight hospital admission or the frequency of hospitalisation among older adults in Ghana. Using the WHO SAGE (Wave 1) data, we examine the influence of place of residence, chronic health conditions, and socioeconomic status on overnight hospital admission, as well as, frequency of hospital admission among older adults in Ghana. Multivariate logistic regression and zero-inflated negative binomial regression models were used to study the influence of place, health conditions, and socioeconomic status on overnight hospital admission. The findings show that older adults with functional limitations and chronical health conditions were more likely to have experienced an overnight hospital admission. The expected number of overnight hospital admission was greater among chronically ill older adults than their healthy counterparts. However, the findings show that socioeconomically vulnerable older adults were less likely to have overnight hospital admission and they had lower admission rates. The presence of chronic health conditions is associated with overnight hospital admission, while poor socioeconomic status may imply underutilization or limited access to healthcare for the socioeconomically vulnerable.

Social Frailty and Depression Among Older Adults in Ghana: Insights from the WHO SAGE Surveys.

In this study, we examine the association between social frailty and depression among older adults in Ghana over time. We employed longitudinal data analysis to examine the association between social frailty, socioeconomic status and depression using data from the WHO-SAGE survey. Our descriptive and cross-tabulation analyses show that the prevalence of depression and social frailty among older adults decreased considerably in 2014/2015 compared to 2007/2008. The finding also reveals a huge reduction in social frailty among older adults in northern Ghana-the most deprived regions in Ghana-compared to those in southern Ghana. The multivariate panel data analysis reveals that depression was significantly associated with social isolation, financial needs, and physical needs. The findings suggest an over time decline in social frailty and depression among older adults, as well as, reduction in regional differences in social frailty and depression among older adults in Ghana.

Self-reported hearing difficulty, subjective well-being and social relationships among older adults in Ghana

Background: Hearing difficulty negatively impacts individual relationships with family and friends and other social relationships. Objective:This research was conducted to determine the factors significantly influencing self-reported hearing difficulty (SHD) and further to assess the influence of SHD on social relationship among older adults in Ghana. Methods: World Health Organization’s Studyon Global AGEing and Adult Health Ghana dataset for older adults 50 yr. and above was used for this study. Social relationship and hearing difficulty were the primary and secondary outcomes respectively. A modified Poisson with Mahalanobis distance matching within propensity caliper was employed to determine the different influences on social relationships by SHD. All analysis was performed using the statistical software Stata Version 15 and with a confidence interval (CI) of 95%. Results: The prevalence of SHD among older adults in Ghana was 19.5% (95%CI=16.9-22.3). Rao-Scott test of association showed that all covariates (demographic characteristics, self-rated health, quality of life, life satisfaction and unhealthy lifestyle) were significantly associated with SHD (p<0.05). Sensitivity analysis showed that, SHD predicted a significantly decreased probability count of social relationship among older adults with SHD [adjusted prevalence ratio(95%CI)=-0.08(-0.15-0.02)]. Binary and ordinal outcomes showed that among the older adults with SHD, only 35% and 70% respectively were likely to have a good social relationship [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) (95%CI)=0.65(0.46-0.90) and aOR (95%CI)=0.70(0.51-0.96)respectively]. Conclusion: Overall, the prevalence of hearing loss in older adults in Ghana was 19.5%, and was higher among older adult females. This high prevalence of SHD had significant negative effect on social relationships among the older adults. In line with global efforts to reduce effect of hearing loss, it is imperative that, clinical assessment of hearing loss should always consider the social characteristics of the older adult.

Self-reported hearing difficulty, subjective well-being and social relationships among older adults in Ghana

Background: Hearing difficulty negatively impacts individual relationships with family and friends and other social relationships. Objective:This research was conducted to determine the factors significantly influencing self-reported hearing difficulty (SHD) and further to assess the influence of SHD on social relationship among older adults in Ghana. Methods: World Health Organization’s Studyon Global AGEing and Adult Health Ghana dataset for older adults 50 yr. and above was used for this study. Social relationship and hearing difficulty were the primary and secondary outcomes respectively. A modified Poisson with Mahalanobis distance matching within propensity caliper was employed to determine the different influences on social relationships by SHD. All analysis was performed using the statistical software Stata Version 15 and with a confidence interval (CI) of 95%. Results: The prevalence of SHD among older adults in Ghana was 19.5% (95%CI=16.9-22.3). Rao-Scott test of association showed that all covariates (demographic characteristics, self-rated health, quality of life, life satisfaction and unhealthy lifestyle) were significantly associated with SHD (p<0.05). Sensitivity analysis showed that, SHD predicted a significantly decreased probability count of social relationship among older adults with SHD [adjusted prevalence ratio(95%CI)=-0.08(-0.15-0.02)]. Binary and ordinal outcomes showed that among the older adults with SHD, only 35% and 70% respectively were likely to have a good social relationship [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) (95%CI)=0.65(0.46-0.90) and aOR (95%CI)=0.70(0.51-0.96)respectively]. Conclusion: Overall, the prevalence of hearing loss in older adults in Ghana was 19.5%, and was higher among older adult females. This high prevalence of SHD had significant negative effect on social relationships among the older adults. In line with global efforts to reduce effect of hearing loss, it is imperative that, clinical assessment of hearing loss should always consider the social characteristics of the older adult.

Visual impairment and social isolation, depression and life satisfaction among older adults in Ghana: analysis of the WHO’s Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) Wave 2

AimTo estimate the prevalence of visual impairment (VI) and associated factors and further quantify its association with social isolation, depression and life satisfaction among older adults in Ghana.MethodsWHO Study on...

Do factors across the World Health Organisation's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework relate to caregiver availability for community-dwelling older adults in Ghana?

In Ghana, the care needs of older adults in the later years has become a critical issue given population ageing and increased proportions of older adults with difficulties with functional abilities. However, factors related to caregiver availability is unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine how the World Health Organisation's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (WHO-ICF) framework relates to caregiver availability for community-dwelling older adults in Ghana. This evidence will strengthen our understanding of the perceived unmet care needs of older adults in Ghana in Africa. A hospital-based survey was conducted among 400 consecutively recruited older adult in-patients using a questionnaire at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in southern Ghana. Multivariate logistic regression tested associations between caregiver availability and other factors as related to the WHO-ICF conceptual framework. Eighty-six per cent of the participants reported having an available caregiver. In the final parsimonious model, the environmental factors were highly related to caregiver availability, seconded by personal factors, and then health conditions. Body function and structure, activity, and participation variables were not statistically significant. Overall, the variables that were associated with caregiver availability were age, being a widow, having a single chronic condition, being hardly understood by friends and family, receiving no neighbourhood support, and having 2-4 children. Interaction existed between being a widow and living as a couple in relation to caregiver availability. Caregiver availability is associated with variables under the personal, health and environmental components of the WHO-ICF. Increased effort to strengthen the current and future welfare programs, including the health of older adults and their caregivers is relevant.

Self-reported hypertension as a predictor of chronic health conditions among older adults in Ghana: analysis of the WHO Study on global Ageing and adult health (SAGE) Wave 2.

IntroductionHypertension has been identified as a significant predictor of many chronic health conditions. Body Mass Index (BMI) and Quality of Life (QoL) are key determinants of hypertension especially among elderly populations. In this study, we examined the effect of self-reported hypertension (SRH) on chronic health conditions and quality of life among older adults in Ghana.MethodsThe WHO Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health Wave 2 data for Ghana, collected from 2014 to 2015 was applied in this study. Data for older adults aged 50 years and above were analyzed. Weighted descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using Stata 14. We predicted any potential associations between SRH and chronic health conditions using a corrected chi-square and Coarsened Exact Matching with adjusted odds ratios.ResultsThe prevalence of SRH among older adults in Ghana was 15.8%. This was significantly associated with sex, marital status, religion, place of residence, working status, location/region, health status BMI, and QoL. In all, older adults with poor health status, obese state and high QoL had 3.15, 2.17 and 2.76 odds of SRH respectively [AOR(95%CI)p-value=3.15(1.65-6.02)0.001, 2.17(1.31-3.59)0.003 and 2.76(1.04-7.31)0.041)]. In addition, older adults with SRH were at increased risk of reporting chronic conditions such as stroke, angina, diabetes and cataract.ConclusionOverall, a key observation from this analysis is that SRH (and not only clinically diagnosed hypertension) is significantly associated with co-morbidities. In Ghana, older adults with SRH have increased risk of co-morbidities including diabetes, stroke, angina, and cataract. Interventions to improve the awareness and early detection of hypertension at the population level is key. Controlling hypertension at the population level will reduce prevalence of chronic conditions and increased protection.

Effect of cognitive and structural social capital on depression among older adults in Ghana: A multilevel cross-sectional analysis

Evidence from existing studies suggests social capital has mixed effects on depression and other common mental disorders. There is little knowledge of the possible association between social capital and depression among the growing older population in sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigates the effect of cognitive social capital (trust and sense of safety) and structural social capital (social participation or engagement in social activities) on depression among older adults in Ghana. Utilizing multilevel mixed-effect analysis, we investigate the effect of individual-level and neighborhood-level social capital (cognitive and structural) on depression using data from the World Health Organization Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (WHO-SAGE) survey (Wave 1). The findings show that at an individual level, older adults who felt safe at home were less likely to have depression. We observed mixed results for elements of structural social capital at the individual level. Older adults who frequently engaged in club or group meetings, worked with neighbors and engaged in social outings were more likely to have depression; while attending public meetings and socializing with co-workers were associated with reduced likelihood of having depression. At the neighborhood level, increased trust in neighbors was associated with an increased likelihood of having depression (OR = 1.01, p < 0.05) while higher levels of neighborhood safety and structural social capital were associated with a reduced likelihood of having depression. The findings suggest that the differential associations between elements of social capital and depression may be the result of contextual factors.

Relationship between chronic diseases and sleep duration among older adults in Ghana.

Aging increases the prevalence of health problems that are often chronic, resulting in more sleep problems for people with poor health or chronic conditions. Relatively fewer studies have been conducted on the relationship between sleep duration and chronic conditions in Sub-Saharan Africa compared to Western or Asian populations. This study uses a nationally representative sample of older adults in Ghana to examine the association between sleep duration and chronic conditions. Data were gathered from the World Health Organization Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health (SAGE) Wave 1 in Ghana (n = 3617). Data on duration of sleep and chronic conditions were derived from self-reported data and validated symptom reporting. Multinomial logistic regression was conducted to examine the association between sleep duration and chronic conditions. Women had a significantly longer period of sleep than men. Older people (> 60years) were more likely than people under 60years old to sleep for longer periods. The prevalence of stroke, depression, and chronic lung disease among long sleepers was high compared with short and medium sleepers. Our study found that respondents with stroke, arthritis, depression, chronic lung disease, asthma, and hypertension were likely to sleep for a long time. This study showed a significant association between long hours of sleep and chronic conditions. To health professionals, paying particular attention to this association among older adults is medically important.

Individual awareness and treatment effectiveness of hypertension among older adults in Ghana: evidence from the World Health Organization study of global ageing and adult health wave 2.

Introductionthe aim of this study was to report the prevalence of hypertension, its awareness and treatment effectiveness among older adults (aged 50 years and above) in Ghana.Methodsthe Ghana World Health Organization´s (WHO) Study on Global Aging and Adult Health (SAGE) wave 2 dataset was used in this study. The study adopted a cross-sectional study design. Information on self-reported hypertension as well as measured hypertension was analyzed. The level of awareness regarding hypertension and the effectiveness of treatment was determined using descriptive statistics. Factors associated with an individual´s awareness of their hypertensive status were determined using Rao-Scott Chi square test statistic and the predictors of unawareness of hypertension were determined using adjusted logistic regression analysis. A p-value of ≤0.05 was deemed significant.Resultsinformation on 3,575 adults in Ghana aged 50 years or older was included in this analysis. The mean age of study participants was 65.1 ± 10.7 years with 59% being female. The prevalence of measured hypertension was 50.7% [95%CI=48.3-53.2]. The overall prevalence of hypertension among older adults in Ghana who were hypertensive but were not aware of it was 35.0% [95%CI=31.6-38.5]. Of the 332 individuals who self-reported being hypertensive, only 74 (22.2%) were on any form of treatment, with only 17 (5.1%) having their blood pressures well controlled.Conclusionapproximately half of all older adults in Ghana have elevated blood pressures. Most of these are not aware of their elevated blood pressure and for those who are aware, very few are on treatment and even fewer have their blood pressure well controlled. Structured national population level screening and health promotion for elevated blood pressure by Ministry of Health/ Ghana Health Service is worthy of consideration.

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the Lived Experiences of Older Adults Regarding Their Functional Activities in Ghana.

Introduction: Research on disability largely draws on epidemiological data, often conducted in more developed countries. To date, there is little research related to older adults in Ghana, Africa. The purpose of this study was to strengthen understanding of how older adults in Ghana perform functional activities, referenced against the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (WHO-ICF) framework. Methods: Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) of semistructured interview data was employed as the methodological approach. Using purposive criterion sampling, 8 older adults admitted to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Ghana, presenting with any identified health condition and/or frailty were recruited. Results: Analysis of interview data identified 5 interrelated themes: (1) feeling anxious, (2) feeling restricted, (3) understanding and admitting difficulty, (4) striving to be healthy and being productive, and (5) managing functional difficulty. These concerns were classified and related to the WHO-ICF, particularly the contextual factors. Discussion: This study examined in detail experiences of older adults performing functional activities. Our study highlights the relevance of the WHO-ICF framework for understanding the health needs of older adults, emphasizing the functional, social, and environmental factors influencing the functional status of older adults. The findings offer unique insight into the health needs of older adults, drawing attention to the implications for policy and care.

Health service utilization and direct healthcare costs associated with obesity in older adult population in Ghana.

Obesity is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases and disabilities, with severe implications on morbidity and mortality among older adults. With an increasing prevalence of obesity among older adults in Ghana, it has become necessary to develop cost-effective strategies for its management and prevention. However, developing such strategies is challenging as body mass index (BMI)-specific utilization and costs required for cost-effectiveness analysis are not available in this population. Therefore, this study examines the associations between health services utilization as well as direct healthcare costs and overweight (BMI ≥25.00 and <30.00 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI ≥30.00 kg/m2) among older adults in Ghana. Data were used from a nationally representative, multistage sample of 3350 people aged 50+ years from the World Health Organization's Study on global AGEing and adult health (WHO-SAGE; 2014/15). Health service utilization was measured by the number of health facility visits over a 12-month period. Direct costs (2017 US dollars) included out-of-pocket payments and the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) claims. Associations between utilization and BMI were examined using multivariable zero-inflated negative binomial regressions; and between costs and BMI using multivariable two-part regressions. Twenty-three percent were overweight and 13% were obese. Compared with normal-weight participants, overweight and obesity were associated with 75% and 159% more inpatient admissions, respectively. Obesity was also associated with 53% additional outpatient visits. One in five of the overweight and obese population had at least one chronic disease, and having chronic disease was associated with increased outpatient utilization. The average per person total costs for overweight was $78 and obesity was $132 compared with $35 for normal weight. The NHIS bore approximately 60% of the average total costs per person expended in 2014/15. Overweight and obese groups had significantly higher total direct healthcare costs burden of $121 million compared with $64 million for normal weight in the entire older adult Ghanaian population. Compared with normal weight, the total costs per person associated with overweight increased by 73% and more than doubled for obesity. Even though the total prevalence of overweight and obesity was about half of that of normal weight, the sum of their cost burden was almost doubled. Implementing weight reduction measures could reduce health service utilization and costs in this population.

MOBILIZING COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS TO ENHANCE HEALTH AND REDUCE INEQUITIES IN MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITIES

Community-based gerontological research plays an indispensable role in identifying and addressing the strengths, intersectionalities, and socio-structural inequities that shape the lives of older adults in multicultural communities around the world. This symposium highlights the innovative, global scholarship of Silberman Aging: A Hartford Center of Excellence in Diverse Aging, as the Center begins its sixth year. Through community-based research and academic-community collaborations, Center researchers examine challenges affecting the health and wellbeing of diverse and often marginalized aging communities in North America, West Africa, and East Asia. The first paper describes and evaluates a CBPR project that trains community-based natural helping networks to identify and refer older adults with dementia in East Harlem, NY. The second study explores the perceptions and strategies of community-based primary care physicians in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia in dealing with elder abuse and neglect. The third takes a population health approach to the relationship between social capital and health among older adults in Ghana. Fourth, preliminary results from an evaluation of a nation-wide training initiative that promotes cultural-competencies among aging services providers working with LGBT elders. Finally, we present findings from a CBPR study examining barriers to palliative care among racially and ethnically-diverse community-dwelling older adults with serious illness. Although substantively and methodologically varied, these studies all demonstrate the importance of social networks in health in later life, and underscore the value of community-based research that supports collaboration, empowers communities, and ultimately transforms practice and policy to better meet the diverse needs of older adults around the globe.

Effect of self-rated health status on functioning difficulties among older adults in Ghana: Coarsened exact matching method of analysis of the World Health Organization's study on global AGEing and adult health, Wave 2.

BackgroundFunctional difficulty assessment has been proven as a key factor in the health evaluation of adults. Previous studies have shown a reduction in health and functional difficulties with increasing age. This analysis was conducted to quantify the effect of poor self-rated health on functional difficulty among older adults in Ghana.MethodThis analysis was based on the World Health Organization Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health in Ghana for older adults 50 years and above. Fifteen standard functioning difficulty tools were extracted and used for the analysis. Three predictive models with the Coarsened Exact Matching method involving Negative Binomial, Logistics and Ordered logistic regression were performed using Stata 14.ResultsOverall, the prevalence of poor Self-rated health was 34.9% and that of functional difficulties among older adults in Ghana was 69.4%. Female sex, increasing age, being separated, having no religious affiliation, not currently working and being underweight were associated with and significantly influence poor Self-rated health [AOR(95%CI)p-value = 1.41(1.08–1.83)0.011, 3.85(2.62–5.64)0.000, 1.45(1.08–1.94)0.013, 2.62(1.68–4.07)0.000, 2.4(1.85–3.12)0.000 and 1.39(1.06–1.81)0.017 respectively]. In addition, poor Self-rated health and geographical location (rural vs. urban)significantly influence functioning difficulties among older adults in Ghana as predicted by the three models [Negative Binomial: PR(95%CI) = 1.62(1.43–1.82), Binary logistic: AOR(95%CI) = 3.67(2.79–4.81) and ordered logistic: AOR(95%CI) = 2.53(1.14–2.03)].ConclusionPoor SRH is more pronounced among older adult females in Ghana. Some determinants of poor SRH include; age, geographical location (urban vs. rural), marital status, religion, and employment status. This provides pointers to important socio-demographic determinants with implications on the social function of older adults in line with the theme of the national aging policy of 2010, ‘ageing with security and dignity’ and ultimately in the national quest to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

What could be influencing older Ghanaians outpatient care utilization rate?

Ghana's population is rapidly aging and there may be healthcare access and utilization issues. This study investigates some of the issues that may influence outpatient care utilization rate among older Ghanaians. Cross-sectional wave 1 (2007-2010) data from WHO's Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health are used, and a sample of 1408 are analyzed. After multiple imputations of missing values, a negative binomial regression model is used to identify the association between outpatient care utilization rate and lifestyle activities. The rate of outpatient care utilization is negatively associated with the rate of eating vegetables (β =0.0830, p < .001), fruits (β =0.0033, p < .05), moderate-exercise (β =0.4010, p < .001), moderate-work (β =0.2049, p < .001), walking/biking (β = 0.0436, p < .001), and positively associated with leisure hours ((β =0.0194, p < .001). To promote better aging situations of older adults in Ghana, poverty and poor education should be addressed as potential barriers to healthcare access. There is a need for policies that encourage healthier lifestyles for older Ghanaian's health. The study was self-funded by the authors.

The Relationship among Functional Health Literacy, Self-Rated Health, and Social Support among Younger and Older Adults in Ghana.

It is well established that health literacy positively affects health outcomes, and social support influences this association. What remains unclear is which aspect of social support (instrumental, informational, and emotional support) is responsible for this effect and whether the influence differs from one population group to another. This study addresses these lacunae. It examines the impact each type of support makes on the relation between functional health literacy (FHL) and self-rated health status among younger and older adults in Ghana. Data were pooled from two cross-sectional surveys, together comprising 521 participants in the Ashanti Region. The results indicated that young adults were more likely to possess sufficient FHL and perceive their health more positively than older adults. While FHL was positively associated with health status, the relation was stronger when young adults received a high level of emotional support. Among older persons, informational support substantially moderated the association between FHL and health status. Thus, social support modifies the relations between FHL and health status among younger and older adults in different ways and to different degrees. Therefore, interventions to improve FHL and health amongst younger and older adults should pay due regard to relevant aspects of social support.

Social Activities and Subjective Well-Being of OlderAdults in Ghana

There is growing evidence that participating in social activities by older adults improves their health, subjective wellbeing, and ultimately prolong their lifespan. However, in Ghana, there is a dearth of studies on the social activities of older adults and the relationship between social activities and subjective wellbeing. This study describes the social activities engaged in by older Ghanaian adults and explores the relationship between social activities and subjective wellbeing. Data for the study was obtained from the World Health Organization’s study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE) wave 1. This report is based on 3970 adults aged 50 years and above who had complete data on all the variables measured. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between social activities and subjective wellbeing. The data shows that majority of older Ghanaian adults do engage in social activities. However, being female, not married, and poor health was negatively associated with participation in social activities. In addition, there was a consistent decline in subjective wellbeing with age across all measured aspects of subjective wellbeing—life satisfaction, subjective wellbeing and happiness. The data shows a strong association between social activities and subjective wellbeing. Furthermore, engaging in family and friends’ and community related activities was positively associated with subjective wellbeing. However, engaging in religious activities was not positively correlated with subjective wellbeing. It is recommended that policies that encourage older Ghanaian adults, especially the poor and women, to engage more in social activities should be enacted.