Effects of Social Isolation on Older Adults in Ethiopia
Author Information
Author(s): Kotecho Messay, Kassay Abraham, Adamek Margaret
Primary Institution: Addis Ababa University
Hypothesis
How does social isolation affect the well-being and coping mechanisms of older adults in Bishoftu Town, Ethiopia?
Conclusion
Social isolation significantly impacts the well-being of older adults, leading to health issues and psychological distress, but they develop coping strategies to manage these challenges.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants are increasingly susceptible to social isolation due to negative perceptions of aging and loss of meaningful relationships.
- Elders experience health issues, psychological distress, and challenges in meeting basic needs.
- Older adults have developed coping strategies such as engaging in prayer and depending on intergenerational support.
- Many participants express feelings of pessimism and a sense of worthlessness about their future.
Takeaway
Older people in Ethiopia feel lonely and sad because they lose friends and face many problems, but they find ways to cope, like praying and getting help from family.
Methodology
A phenomenological approach with in-depth interviews and observations of 10 older adults.
Limitations
The study focuses only on older adults in Bishoftu Town, which may not represent all elders in Ethiopia.
Participant Demographics
10 older adults (5 male and 5 female) aged 60 and above.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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