Aging in Rural Ethiopia: the Lived Experiences of Older People in Agrarian Community with Particular Reference to Sedika Kersa Community, Arsi, Oromia
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Date
2017-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The literature recognizes that gerentological enquiries are generally scarce in Africa. Despite
the overall dearth of gerentological studies in Ethiopia, most of studies conducted on issues of
older people hitherto excluded rural older people. Nevertheless, many of rural older people are
totally excluded from public pension. Besides, rural older people have suffered a plethora of
plights. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore, describe, and interpret
experiences of ageing of older people in agrarian community. Hermeneutic phenomenology was
used to look into the experience of 10 older people (6 male and 4 female) aged 70 and more
years recruited purposively. In-depth interview and observation were used in order to collect
data from the participants. The data were analyzed through phenomenological data explication
guideline adopted from different authors. The findings of the study indicate that the participants
of the study do not attach positive meanings to their ageing body. Though they do not nullify
their children’s filial responsibility and intergenerational solidarity, they are displeased with
them. Thus, they have developed sense of devaluation or sense of loss of worth. As a result, they
are pessimistic about their future care when they totally lose their personal agency. Apart from
decreased engagement, the participants have different socio-economic participations .The
participants have suffered from different challenges .The findings of the study can sensitize
policy makers and other concerned bodies to the needs of older people. Additionally, the study
can be an input for future further studies on the issue. The implication of the study is that there is
a need to enhance gerentological enquiries in the countryside and a wholehearted collaboration
among various stakeholders to mitigate multifaceted challenges and meet needs of rural older
people.
Key words: aging, filial responsibility, intergenerational solidarity, engagement
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Keywords
Aging; Filial responsibility; Intergenerational olidarity; Engagement