Abstract
Demographic forecasts indicate that the elderly population will double by 2050. One element supporting this position is the extreme rejuvenation of the African continent: 41% is under 15 years old. The two global trends of demographic aging and urbanization will together strongly shape the 21st century (WHO, 2007). It is becoming imperative for cities to adapt to the needs of the elderly. The WHO (2007) has produced the Global Guide to Age-Friendly Cities (AFCs) from the Vancouver Protocol (2005). Among the cities of the world network of AFCs, there is a low representation of African cities. Moreover, in developing countries, the proportion of older people in urban communities will increase 16-fold, from about 56 million in 1998 to more than 908 million in 2050 (WHO, 2007). It is therefore becoming imperative for African cities to think about culturally rooted AFCs. Based on a review of the literature articulated around the concepts of “older person”, “city” and “urbanism”, we have carried out an analysis from an Afro-optimistic perspective, showing the need for Cameroonian cities to become “age friendly”. The aim is to make a comparison between the requirements of the World AFCs Guide and the potential of Cameroon (its cities) to become AFCs. From this analysis, it emerged that Cameroon, through its major projects, its institutions and its people, has assets to showcase. However, there should be a real awareness from public authorities on the need of a “geronto-inclusive” development because a AFCs is beneficial to all, young and old.
Presenters
Yvan Lionnel Njinzeu NganwouaStudent, Master of Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Catholic University of Central Africa, Centre, Cameroon
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Public Policy and Public Perspectives on Aging
KEYWORDS
ADEQUACY, CITY, HEALTH, ELDERLY, AGE FRIENDLY
