Full of Life contributes to a growing body of literature discussing care during old age in Africa. The main research thrust addresses care arrangements by focusing on experiences of growing old, meanings of old age and the social interconnectedness of the older generation. Contradicting clichéd preconceptions of the sedentary elderly, this study reveals surprising mobility patterns related to care during old age. Being on the move encompasses three dimensions: physical mobility through actual travel; mediated mobility through virtual connectivity via mobile phones; and immaterial mobility through aspirations - all three criss-crossing and extending beyond the geographic locality of the city - as varied dimensions of care.
Jana Gerold received her PhD in medical anthropology (University of Basel, Switzerland) in 2012 and is currently working at the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Switzerland.
