Emerging Researchers
& Professionals
in Ageing
A pan-African network advancing ageing research, policy and practice — connecting emerging scholars and professionals across the continent.
Advancing the science and practice of ageing in Africa
Vision Statement
To create a sustainable, research-driven future for Africa's projected aging populations by empowering and decolonizing how the next generation of African scholars studies and addresses geriatric health and social realities.
Learn more about us →Research
Evidence-based research on ageing across African contexts.
Capacity Building
Mentorship, workshops and training for emerging researchers.
Networking
Connecting scholars with institutions across the continent.
Policy Advocacy
Translating research into actionable policy recommendations.
See ERPAAN in action
With the increasing life expectancy, the number of older adults will increase across the world. In 1990, there were 230 million older people aged 60 years and over in the Sub-Saharan region of Africa, and this has increased to 46 million over the space of 15 years. The United Nations said that this would further increase to 161 million in 2050. Even though the growth rate of older adults in the Sub-Saharan region is not as fast as that observed in developed nations, the United Nations said that the growth rate of the older population of Sub-Saharan Africa by 2040 will be faster than that experienced by any other region since 1950.
Even though older adults in the Sub-Saharan region of Africa should be celebrated, there are associated challenges with ageing that may impact individuals, families, communities, and health and social care systems. Preparing healthcare and social workers through research and practice competency is one of the strategic approaches to reducing the impact of the projected ageing population in Sub-Saharan Africa.
We, Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing-African Network, believe that building capacity in preparation for the projected increase in the older adults' population in this region is strategic. Our network aims to encourage, train, provide resources, and mentor younger researchers and professionals interested in older adults' care. We believe this will create enthusiastic, vibrant, passionate, and competent transdisciplinary teams of health and social care workers to take care of older adults in the Sub-Saharan region of Africa.
Recent publications
Life satisfaction is a key indicator of quality …
Life satisfaction is a key indicator of quality of life among older adults. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesised evidence on the…
Publication
Genomic research in dementia in Africa is of …
Genomic research in dementia in Africa is of utmost importance based on recent reports from studies on African-Americans that the African ancestral…
Publication
There is an increasing scholarly and humanitarian interest …
There is an increasing scholarly and humanitarian interest in research involving older refugees, marking a notable departure fromthe historical marginalisation of this…
Full publications database coming soon.
Latest award holders
Upcoming events
Latest ERPAAN updates
Follow our Facebook page for recent announcements, event photos, network news and research activity from across the ERPAAN community.
Apply for Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 2018 by Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing-African Network (ERPAAN). The fund is provided by generous donations by ERPAAN members. This scholarship aims to stimulate problem identifying and solving approach for final year undergraduate student projects in Nigerian Universities. Eligible applicants must be final year students willing to conduct independent research among older adults.
Apply for Scholarship