Challenges and Coping Strategies of Elderly in Shelter homes : A Qualitative Inquiry

Abstract

Background: The issue of aging has always been the cause of social concern globally. Old age is a period in a person's life when the body system diminishes in functionality. There is no specific age to be labeled as old age; however, different country categories age based on particular culture-specific criteria. As time passes, aging enters, bringing a series of physical, mental, emotional, and psychological pertaining increased illness of self and spouse, vulnerability to mental disorders, cognitive decline, etc.
Statement of the problem: Many times, it is observed that the elderly face many problems, which leads to physical, emotional, mental, financial, and adjustment difficulties, dissatisfaction with life achievements, guilt, feelings, etc. For these challenges, elder peoples need to adopt specific strategies to cope with difficulties and adapt to their life's new challenges. Keeping these issues in mind, the present study's objective was framed to find out the challenges and coping strategies of elderly living in shelter homes.
Method: Design of the Study: This study employs a qualitative research design for data collection. For this, a semi-structured interview was conducted. The obtained responses were transcribed, and thematic analysis was done to find out themes and subthemes.
Sample: The sample consists of 22 older adults (N=22, Male=12, Female=10, age range= 60 years above) selected from Anand Ashram of Sagar District.
Results: The Family conflict, rude behavior of the family members closed members, health issues; loneliness has emerged as the significant challenges which compelled them to leave their home.
Further, a flashback of past golden memories, reading of the religious books, and singing bhajan in the temples emerged as the elderly major coping strategies by the elderly.
Discussion: The study's themes and sub-themes indicate that elderly’s living in Indian shelter homes face numerous problems. It is also evident that older people make their way to shelter homes to escape themselves from various financial and emotional hardships in the family. There is a need for specific concrete strategies to address the elderly's concerns in the final innings of life in such a situation.