Health and socio-economic challenges faced by elderly people in rural communities of Lesotho

Abstract

Old age is a global phenomenon and Lesotho elderly population seemed to grow at an alarming rate. Statistics showed that Lesotho’s elderly population is increasing rapidly and have a larger share than many countries since the population of elderly people constitutes 8.6 percent of the general population (Bureau of Statistics (BOS), 2016). The population of elderly people seemed to be faced with a lot of challenges such as chronic illnesses, abuse, and low or no income to cater for their needs. Despite the alarming increase in elderly people in Lesotho, the challenges faced by elderly people in rural areas are under-researched. The study investigated health and socio-economic challenge faced by elderly people in rural communities of Lesotho at Makhoa village in Leribe. A qualitative, phenomenological study was undertaken with a sample of twenty-one participants from both Makhoa village and the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) at Hlotse Leribe. Of the twenty-one participants, eleven were elderly people, five community members, two local authorities (the chief, and the community councilor), and three MoSD officers (Elderly Care officer, Generic Social Worker, and Auxiliary Social Worker). Participants were selected using both purposive sampling and convenience sampling techniques and data was collected using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussion. Data analysis was done using the thematic analysis following six steps of data familiarization, generating initial codes, searching for and identifying themes, refining themes, defining and naming themes, and producing a report. The study found that elderly people’s physical and mental health were highly compromised since their health costs were very high especially for those with chronic illnesses, and mobility limitations due to ageing and HIV and AIDS and COVID-19. There were also social challenges established as loneliness and social isolation, the burden of care for grandchildren, mistreatment and elderly abuse, loss of personal autonomy, and social exclusion. The economic challenges included reduced income, economic exploitation, poverty and high cost of living, and economic insecurity. The study established that community members had negative attitudes towards elderly people like ageism stereotypes, labeling them witches, discriminated against them, and disrespected them. Lastly, it was found out that there were measures in place to address issues of elderly people like national policies, and Old Age Pension, there vi were no local structures for elderly people and family was the one playing a major role in care and support of elderly people. Consequently, the following recommendations were made to address the identified challenges facing elderly people at Makhoa village in Leribe, Lesotho. These include elderly programs, educational campaigns and awareness programs, elderly social clubs, saving groups, capacity building for families, and decentralization of health care facility to the rural Makhoa village in Leribe by the government amongst others.