ABSTRACT
African governments should respond appropriately to the growing elderly populations by ensuring that policies are developed or reviewed to enable individuals to adjust their behavior in the face of population aging. Old-age pension systems need to be flexible to allow individuals to reap their retirement packages and at the same time work in their old age. Governments should also institute laws against age discrimination by employers. It is apparent that the changing economy in many countries is generating demands for skills that may not be possessed by the old. However, there is a need to balance resources that will address the needs of the elderly against those aimed at addressing Africa's high unemployment, especially among the youth. More important, African governments should start recognizing the challenges of the increased elderly population and start calling for discussions of appropriate responses to the needs of the elderly based on the socioeconomic environment and dynamics of each country.
