Over 1,050 elderly people benefit from free medical treatment cards in Buhigwe, Kigoma Region. Photo: Courtesy.
By Adonis Byemelwa
On October 1, the world marked the International Day of Older Persons, a day set aside to honor and reflect on the challenges and contributions of the elderly. In his special message for the occasion, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the urgent need for systems of care and support that cater to the elderly.
He stressed that as the global population ages, creating such systems is essential to ensure that the elderly remain active and respected members of society. Yet, as Guterres highlighted, older people often lack access to the care they need, making them more vulnerable, particularly older women who often perform unpaid caregiving roles.
Guterres called on nations to commit to strengthening care systems that respect the dignity of both the elderly and their caregivers. "Recognizing the rights of caregivers and support providers is crucial in building community resilience," he noted. His message is particularly relevant as the world faces a demographic shift, with the number of older people expected to surpass the younger population by 2030. The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) projects that this shift will be most significant in developing countries, where care systems are often underfunded and underdeveloped.
In Tanzania, the growing elderly population poses a challenge for the country's healthcare and social support systems. Minister of Community Development Gender, Women and Special Groups Dorothy Gwajima has called for reforms to ensure that older people receive the respect and care they deserve.
"The elderly in Tanzania are a valuable resource to our nation, yet they often face neglect, especially in rural areas," she said. Gwajima’s comments echo the reality for many elderly Tanzanians who struggle to access essential services such as healthcare, housing, and social protection.
Dr. Esther Gabagambi, a prominent advocate for elderly rights and lecturer on marginalized groups at the Institute of Social Work in Dar es Salaam, has been a strong voice in calling for better protection of the elderly.
"We must establish a robust legal framework to shield the elderly from abuse and neglect," she urged, "and invest in community-based programs that ensure they age with dignity." Dr. Gabagambi’s call highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to address the unique challenges faced by older adults, from access to quality healthcare to fostering social inclusion.
In developed countries, care for the elderly often takes a more structured form, with nursing homes and specialized care facilities playing a central role. Countries like Japan, with one of the highest proportions of elderly citizens in the world, have invested heavily in long-term care systems.
These include not only medical care but also emotional and social support. In many European countries, such as the Netherlands and Germany, elderly care is considered a societal responsibility, with a significant portion of healthcare spending dedicated to ensuring that older people receive comprehensive services.
In contrast, developing countries, including Tanzania, face a different set of challenges. While family structures traditionally supported the elderly, economic pressures and urbanization have eroded these systems.
Today, many elderly people in Tanzania, especially in rural areas, rely on minimal pensions or the goodwill of their families, which is not always guaranteed. Even in urban settings, older people may find themselves neglected or subject to abuse, as families grapple with financial constraints.
As someone who has lived with an elderly father-in-law for the past eight years, I have witnessed firsthand the importance of providing care that goes beyond just the physical. My father-in-law, who is blind and diabetic at 83 years old, requires constant medical attention and emotional support.
Over time, I have learned that caring for the elderly is not just about meeting their medical needs; it's also about respecting their dignity and ensuring that they remain integrated into the family. Despite his age and ailments, my father-in-law still has much to offer in terms of wisdom and life experience, and it has been a privilege to learn from him. His situation underscores the need for society to view older people not as burdens but as individuals with valuable contributions to make.
The theme of this year’s International Day of Older Persons, “Aging and Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older People Globally,” captures the essence of the global conversation about elderly care.
In Tanzania, efforts are underway to improve the care of older people. One notable example is the FungaFunga elderly care home in Morogoro, which has been praised for its high standards. Elderly residents at Funga Funga, such as Aisha Mwinyimvua, have expressed satisfaction with the care they receive.
"We eat all three meals without any problems. The environment here is excellent, and the staff are always kind. I enjoy being here and have no intention of returning to live with relatives where I experienced unbearable hardship," she shared.
Despite such positive examples, challenges remain. A significant issue facing the elderly in Tanzania is access to pensions and social security benefits. Many retirees face delays in receiving their pensions, often due to bureaucratic hurdles.
There have been reports of elderly people being forced to pay bribes to access their rightful benefits. This systemic failure not only undermines their financial security but also their dignity. Gwajima has acknowledged these challenges and promised reforms, including the finalization of a new policy on elderly care that aims to address such issues.
Community support is essential. Families and society must take greater responsibility in caring for their elderly members. However, distressing reports of elder abuse, including tragic cases of murder, continue to emerge, exposing deeply rooted neglect and disregard for the elderly. Instead of being celebrated for their invaluable contributions, the elderly are often marginalized. This must change.
As we approach 2030, a historic moment when the elderly will outnumber the young for the first time in human history, the urgency to invest in comprehensive care systems for older persons cannot be overstated. Tanzania, like many nations, faces a critical juncture. With strong policies and societal shifts, the country can ensure that its aging population lives with dignity. But this requires a unified effort from both the government and the community.
In his recent statement, Pope Francis underscored the sacred duty of honoring the elderly. The Pope, who established World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, commemorated on the fourth Sunday of July, emphasized that the elderly are "the memory of the Church" and a precious resource in passing down the faith to younger generations. “Elders are not disposable,” the Pope declared. “They are an essential part of our families and societies.” His powerful words resonate globally, as neglect of the elderly has become a glaring social issue. In conjunction with this, the Vatican continues to call on nations to prioritize the rights and welfare of older people, viewing their care as an essential moral obligation.
But while Tanzania’s government intervention is crucial, true change must also come from within communities. Families and neighbors must rekindle the traditional values of care and respect for the elderly, ensuring they are not left to languish in neglect or mistreatment. It is our collective responsibility to guarantee that the elderly live out their remaining years in comfort, safety, and dignity.
Tanzania is at a crossroads. With the right policies, societal commitment, and investment in care systems, the country can create a future where the elderly are cherished, not forgotten. Pope Francis reminds us that the elderly are "custodians of our roots" — and as such, they deserve the highest respect, care, and recognition. If we truly value our history and our future, we must honor the elderly as the pillars of our societies.