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- Description:
- Since dying and bereavement are basic to the human condition, all societies have developed ways of providing support for those undergoing these experiences of loss. However, the emergence of the hospice movement marks the beginning of the provision of organisational support beyond that traditionally supplied within the family and friendship network Zimbabwe presents an interesting situation whereby traditional support systems function side by side with newer voluntary organisations providing services for the dying and bereaved, mainly within the white community but also, increasingly, to those black Zimbabweans in a state of transition between rural and urban life. Both traditional and organisational support systems are analysed with particular emphasis on the 'holistic' approach being practised by two voluntary organisations in Zimbabwe. Holistic care manifests several new features, which distinguish it from that provided in more orthodox western medical settings, and which, actually, converge with traditional African approaches. A brief review of problems being experienced by bereaved and dying people receiving assistance reveals that in the changing social conditions in present day Zimbabwe there is potential for useful crosscultural fertilisation in approaches to die care of those experiencing loss and some suggestions are made to this end.
- Date Issued:
- 1989-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Michigan State University. Libraries
- Collection:
- Journal of Social Development in Africa
- Description:
- This paper is based on a study that showed that European women and African men have more health problems than African women, European men and Coloureds of both sexes. Generally, European women were older than any other group. As a proportion of the population under study, Africans, particularly African women, are under represented. The number, nature and effects of health problems were studied. The major areas studied were mobility, ability to negotiate stairs, and handicaps, particularly deafness and blindness. African males tended to report more ill health and handicaps at an earlier age than other groups. The residents' assessment of their own health tended to be positively over reported, particularly by European womenas could be expected from studies from other parts of the world. Europeans had better access to good medical facilities. Africans had a greater anxiety about death and dying because they were aware that they were not going to be afforded culturally appropriate burials. The policy implications of the findings are also briefly discussed.
- Date Issued:
- 1991-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Michigan State University. Libraries
- Collection:
- Journal of Social Development in Africa
- Description:
- This paper is divided into four sections; the first examines briefly and generally the position of the elderly in traditional Africa and stresses especially their political and economic roles. Next it looks at the social and economic transformation which followed the colonisation of Africa and its effect on the position of elders. In the third section are discussed the responses of the elders to these changes and the extent to which they have tried to retain their positions against opposing forces of change. In the concluding section the paper argues that African states need to provide an alternative form of social security in the light of the diminishing economic security of the elderly in present day Africa.
- Date Issued:
- 1989-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Michigan State University. Libraries
- Collection:
- Journal of Social Development in Africa