Growing Older in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Critical Rapid Review of Literature On Resilient Ageing

Abstract The increase in the number of people aged 60 years and above in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) reflects the region’s rapid demographic transition, which has complex policy implications. A decolonial approach to resilience strategies is required, as ageing in SSA occurs amid poverty, inadequate healthcare, urbanisation, and dwindling traditional support. Guided by PRISMA 2020 reporting principles, this critical rapid review screened 9,414 records and synthesised 14 empirical studies published between 2022 and 2025. Five themes emerged from reflexive thematic analysis: adaptive capacity, social networks, cultural/spiritual resources, economic resources, and institutional/structural interventions. Findings revealed that resilient ageing in SSA is a multisystem process that integrates individual and group strengths with institutional frameworks, thereby promoting independence, financial security, well-being, and integration. This review emphasises the value of multisectoral, culturally appropriate interventions and formal social protection, such as healthcare, digital inclusion, social grants, and pensions, for sustaining well-being and enhancing resilience in later life. Neoliberal frameworks, underrepresented populations, and a lack of longitudinal data were the major research lacunae identified by this study. This review calls for future research to employ mixed-methods and Afrocentric approaches in various SSA contexts.