Introduction

In the land of the upright, people aged 60 and over are considered to be seniors. Those who are commonly referred to as “old people” have had to work for many years to support their families. Today, unable to do so, they are sometimes left to fend for themselves in this so-called modern society. Isolation and depression are just some of the problems faced by the elderly. In the following lines, we will diagnose the general state of care for the elderly in Burkina Faso, and then look at the various mechanisms that can help improve their living conditions.

Role and position in traditional Africa

Elders occupy an emblematic place in African society. Indeed, they remain the guarantors of traditions, and therefore of social stability, both through the virtues of their example and the power of their words. African wisdom teaches us that “the young man walks faster than the old man, but the old man knows the road”, meaning that the old man, through his years of experience, has the necessary discernment to lead society to its destination. In the past, elderly people lived happily, surrounded by the affection of their grandchildren, with whom family members took great care. What about the place of the elderly in modern times?

Modern times and lack of care

Whether due to a lack of time or a lack of will, the care of the elderly has deteriorated considerably over the years. Isolation is the first problem they face. In cities, almost all family members go out in the morning, only to return in the afternoon. Left to their own devices, seniors who think about their adventures and misadventures all day long are unknowingly destroying their mental and physical health. This state of affairs can inevitably lead to depression, which is all the more dangerous for the elderly. 

We rarely talk about it, but the elderly are sometimes victims of verbal and physical violence. Those accused of witchcraft in our country remain a perfect illustration. “Gerontology and society: culturally and socially (in)visible abuse” is a work that describes the condition of the elderly in this age of modernism.

Proper care, a duty of history for all

Thanks to these third-age people, we are here on earth today. They have fought for our schooling, our health and our nutrition. Today, we have a duty to pay tribute to them by being at their side, because this is the time when they need us most. With this in mind, the government of Burkina Faso has set up the listening, leisure and care center of the National Council of the Elderly of Burkina Faso (CNPA-BF). This unique center is located in the Bogodogo health district of the Burkinabe capital. It is one of the few facilities in the country to offer activities for the elderly. In addition, the civil servants’ pension fund (CARFO) comes as a relief to the elderly who have worked for the influence of public administration. The state may be investing in care for the elderly with the means at its disposal, but we all have to contribute in our own way. For example, finding symbolic activities in lively places (market, train station) for the elderly. This contributes enormously to their good health. We can also send the elderly to lively places like concerts, stadiums or parks from time to time.

Conclusion

“It’s at the feet of the elderly that a spirit that wants to grow drinks, and it’s then that it rises” teaches us the Ivorian writer Mahoua S Bakayoko. The elderly are our Root, indispensable to our individual and collective lives. Today, this state of affairs is deteriorating crescendo with the daily pressure of modernity. So, it’s up to all of us to ensure that they are properly looked after.