Geriatric Psychiatric Services in Zambia
摘要
Growing up raising a family and seeing that your children are successful and independent is what most of the people look forward to as they progress in life. But what happens after all this is done? Old age becomes a reality, and at this point in life, one’s independence begins to diminish gradually and eventually begins to be dependent on others for survival (with an example of our first republican president Dr. David Kenneth Kaunda). Many articles and research works that have been done outside Zambia and within show a variation in forms of aid and care given to the older population. Zambia being a Christian nation, churches have spoken about care for the adults, and with the African culture that teaches us to care for the elderly, a lot is expected from the younger ones when it comes to this. The government at the same time has the responsibility to care for the elderly too and so does the society at large. How much is being done concerning their mental health is a question of concern. This chapter focuses on the geriatric psychiatric services being provided in Zambia. It will review some research works and other write-ups on what and how much is being done for the aged.