Sub-Saharan Africa is not left out of the global increase in population of older adults aged 60 years and above. In Ghana, they make up an estimated 6.4% of the 30.8 million population, with projections pointing to an increase in the coming decades. Like many cultures, longevity is much appreciated in the Ghanaian society. However, aging brings with it several challenges, not the least of which is nutrition related. These in turn have an impact on the general health status of older adults and contribute to an upsurge of healthcare needs in this life stage. In this chapter, the nutritional needs and challenges of older adults in Ghana, as well as the issues that impact these, are discussed. The chapter also takes a look at public health interventions in the country and makes recommendations on the way forward to improve nutrition and general well-being of older ones in Ghana.

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Public Health Nutrition and Challenges in the Elderly Population: Ghana Perspective

  • Harriet Adu-Amoah,
  • Matilda Asante,
  • Portia Nkumsah-Riverson,
  • Anna Amoako-Mensah

摘要

Sub-Saharan Africa is not left out of the global increase in population of older adults aged 60 years and above. In Ghana, they make up an estimated 6.4% of the 30.8 million population, with projections pointing to an increase in the coming decades. Like many cultures, longevity is much appreciated in the Ghanaian society. However, aging brings with it several challenges, not the least of which is nutrition related. These in turn have an impact on the general health status of older adults and contribute to an upsurge of healthcare needs in this life stage. In this chapter, the nutritional needs and challenges of older adults in Ghana, as well as the issues that impact these, are discussed. The chapter also takes a look at public health interventions in the country and makes recommendations on the way forward to improve nutrition and general well-being of older ones in Ghana.