In most societies of the world, including in Africa, re- sponsibility for the material support of older people unable to sustain themselves through work or investments originally resided with their younger generational family members--especially their adult children. Aboderin explores this topic specifically for Africa.

In the wake of social or economic change, societies experience shifts in the degree to which families support their elders. Questions about the proper balance of family and state responsibility, however, persist, especially in light of socio-demographic trends and...