Research & Publications
Generating evidence-based knowledge on ageing across African contexts, from health and mobility to policy and social inclusion.
Research themes
Click any theme to explore the key research questions, geographic focus and opportunities to get involved.
Investigating physical and mental health outcomes, chronic disease burden, functional capacity and healthcare access for older adults across Africa. This theme addresses one of the continent's most pressing challenges — a rapidly ageing population with limited geriatric infrastructure.
Get involved →What is the burden of non-communicable diseases among older Africans?
How does healthcare access vary across urban and rural settings?
What culturally adapted interventions improve functional health in older adults?
How do mental health conditions interact with physical health in ageing?
Examining pension systems, social protection frameworks, intergenerational support structures and economic participation of older people. Much of Africa lacks formal social protection for older adults, placing enormous pressure on families and communities.
Get involved →What is the coverage and adequacy of pension systems across Africa?
How do changing family structures affect support for older adults?
What role can older adults play in the formal and informal economy?
How does gender shape economic security in old age?
Building the evidence base on dementia prevalence, risk factors, caregiving practices and cognitive health in African populations. Africa is projected to see the largest growth in dementia cases globally, yet remains severely under-researched.
Get involved →What is the true prevalence of dementia across African sub-regions?
How do African-specific risk factors shape cognitive decline?
What is the experience of dementia caregivers across the continent?
How can physical activity reduce dementia risk in African older adults?
Exploring physical mobility determinants, physiotherapy interventions and hospital-to-home transition support for older adults. Mobility limitations are a leading cause of dependency and institutionalisation — and a major focus of ERPAAN's clinical research community.
Get involved →What determines gait speed and mobility in Nigerian older adults?
How can physiotherapy improve hospital-to-home transitions?
What culturally adapted exercises improve balance and fall prevention?
How do rehabilitation services differ across African health systems?
Translating research into policy-relevant outputs to strengthen national and continental frameworks on ageing. ERPAAN works at the interface of research and policy, engaging with governments, AU bodies and civil society to advocate for evidence-based ageing policy.
Get involved →Which African countries have national ageing policies and how effective are they?
How can health systems better integrate geriatric care?
What policy models from other regions are adaptable to African contexts?
How can research evidence be effectively translated to influence policy?
Understanding how culture, community and social networks shape ageing experiences and outcomes across diverse African settings. Africa's rich cultural diversity means that ageing is experienced very differently — and research must account for this heterogeneity.
Get involved →How do cultural norms shape expectations of care for older adults?
What is the mental health burden on informal caregivers?
How do urbanisation and migration affect traditional care systems?
What community-based models best support ageing in place?
Publications & reports
2026 11 papers ▼
- Life satisfaction is a key indicator of quality … doi.org/10.1186/s12966-026-01877-1
- Genomic research in dementia in Africa is of … doi.org/10.1177/13872877261416066
- There is an increasing scholarly and humanitarian interest … doi.org/10.1177/16094069261426159
- There is limited insight in the caregiving literature … DOI pending
- Collaborative care has been recognized as a fundamental … doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0348887
- Collaborative care has been recognized as a fundamental … doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0348887
- Motivational interviewing (MI) is a client-based approach used … doi.org/10.1002/capr.70137
- Interventions that include participation in social or group … doi.org/10.1186/s12877-025-06146-7
- Qualitative research in health equity contexts relies on … doi.org/10.1177/10778004261423225
- Homebound status increasingly emerges as a critical social … doi.org/10.1177/07334648261424947
- Despite growing awareness of loneliness and social isolation … doi.org/10.1177/01640275251357848
2024 1 paper ▼
- Erpaan DOI pending
Publications are grouped by year. Open a year to view DOI links.