A Comparative Study on the Policy Issues that Affect Care for the Aged in Nigeria and South Africa

The Policy Framework that binds all AU member countries to develop policies on ageing is already being used as a guide in the formulation of national policies to improve the lives of the continent’s older people. Policies on care for the aged in Nigeria and South Africa are the governments’ intention to provide quality living to older persons. Therefore, this study aims at reviewing the issues of policy approaches, the impact of the policy issues and lessons learnt in accomplishing the objectives of care for the aged in South Africa and Nigeria. This study recognizes care for the aged as a social welfare responsibility of the governments in South Africa and Nigeria, respectively. This study utilized qualitative desktop design which allowed in-depth comparison and review of policy documents in both countries. Data collected were in the form of document analysis which includes policy document, journals, internet and other secondary data on issues that affect care for the aged in both countries. The findings of the study revealed that in Nigeria, the policy is not well enacted; thereby giving room to families and faith-based organizations to care for the aged while in South Africa, the government has a robust policy in place for older persons. The paper concludes that African Union Member States should recognize the fundamental rights of older persons and commit themselves to abolish all forms of discrimination based on age; that they undertake to ensure that the rights of older people are protected by appropriate legislation; including the right to organize themselves in groups and to representation in order to advance their interests in accordance to the United Nations plans for Aging.