[Sources of support and forms of satisfaction of the elderly in Ghana]

The living conditions and sources of support for the elderly in Ghana are examined. Beginning with a brief survey of the status of old people in traditional tribal structures their present situation is described with recourse to the economic problems and social changes. Based on the results of 7 studies carried out between 1962 and 1985 the position of the elderly is described within the social roles of parent, kinsman, spouse, member of the household, worker, friend and citizen. For each of these roles the author discusses the sources of support and possibilities of the elderly fulfilling what they regard as the most important requirements made of them. Finally attention is drawn to the limits of the family support system and to the necessity of further investigations, including the problems experienced by the welfare workers.