International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development

This paper is an extract from a larger study titled: Attainment of life satisfaction among elderly persons in the municipality of Solwezi, Zambia: Promoters and detractors. The paper limits itself to discussing promoters and detractors to attainment of life satisfaction. The promoters and detractors were reported by the respondents themselves. Promoters were grouped under four categories which were; economic status, independence, family ties and impact of age while detractors fell under eight categories namely; economic status, unmet needs and wants, health status, impact of age, functionality, bereavements, and dependence. The paper concludes that for many respondents, the factors that detracted most from attainment of life satisfaction are related to their economic status, and their need to have to work into old age in order to make ends meet. This finding was inconsistent with what Activity theory of aging prescribed as an antidote to attainment of life satisfaction by elderly persons. To this effect it was proposed that a theory of ageing is required, that takes into account the differing social, cultural and economic status of elderly persons in different contexts. Additionally, it was proposed that the Zambian government should consider increasing funding to social security schemes, roll out the pension system to informal sector, and strengthen the traditional safety net.

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