Challenges of Aging in Rural Ethiopia: “Old Age Is like the Sunset: It Brings Disrespect and Challenges”

Abstract

ABSTRACT The literature recognizes that gerontological inquiries are generally scarce in Africa compared to the developed countries. Despite the overall dearth of gerontological studies in Ethiopia, most of the research conducted on issues of older people hitherto excluded rural older people. Many rural older people are totally excluded from community-based long-term care, public pension, and suffer a plethora of plights. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore, describe, and interpret experiences of aging of older people with regard to challenges. Hermeneutic phenomenology was used to explore, describe, and interpret experiences of 20 older people (10 male and 10 female) aged 70 and older in an agrarian community. In-depth interview and observation were used to collect data from the participants. The findings of the study indicate that the participants have suffered from many challenges including poverty, deteriorated health and enervation, shrinkage of assets, financial hardship, rejection and scorn by youth, disrespect, abuse, and limited social services. The findings of the study can sensitize policymakers and other concerned bodies to the needs of older people. The implications of the study confirm that enhanced gerontological inquiries in rural areas as well as stronger collaboration among various stakeholders so that systems including community-based long-term care could be created to mitigate these multifaceted challenges.