Africentric Perception of Old Age and Implications for the Psychological Wellbeing of Ageing People of the Nso of the Northwest Region of Cameroon
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This study examined Africentric perception of old age and its influence on the psychological well-being of the ageing in Nso of the North-West Region of Cameroon. The eroding psychological well-being of the ageing persons in Nso is disturbing thus the need to explore how it could be revamped through appropriate Africentric social support systems. The concurrent-nested research design was used in conducting the study whereby the qualitative data was nested to add more value to the quantitative data. A sample of 175 (one hundred and seventy-five) was chosen from purposefully selected three rural areas and one urban area. Data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics as well as via content thematic analysis for qualitative data. From the data analysed, it was revealed that cumulatively, 48.0% (840) often and 43.1% (755) sometimes have a positive perception of old age. All three background variables (settlement type, sex and marital status) were significantly predictive elements on perception of old age with a significant ratio of 0.001. There is a significant, positive and strong influence between perception of old age and psychological well-being. Qualitatively, perception of old age is respected through psychosocial and spiritual responsibilities. This can be seen from the fact that old people are holders of indigenous knowledge; they perform leadership roles and are custodians of the tradition; they are a bridge between the living and the dead and perform traditional sacrifices. Based on these findings, it was recommended that old people be given more attention by the young at the level of families, groups, and communities. Above all, the elderly should be given unbridled access to full participation in community activities like traditional ceremonies, cultural festivals, and even rites of passage.
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