Socio-Economic Challenges Facing Elderly: Perspectives and Experiences of Older People in Efolweni Township in Kwazulu Natal.

Charlotte Zamokuhle Biyela

The aim of the study was to understand the challenges facing the older persons who are 65 to 75 years of age in Folweni Township. A case study research design was used. Qualitative research methodology was used to underpin the study and purposive sampling was employed to select 20 participants; 10 females and 10 males. Data was collected using in-depth interviews, and analysed using thematic analysis. The study found that challenges older persons face include lack of livelihood sources, and economic challenges, social challenges, health conditions challenges, support systems challenges and community services challenges. Informed by the findings in this study, there is need for government policy makers, professionals, and stakeholders to formulate interventions relevant to lived experiences of the older persons. Interventions on older people’s livelihood, economic, social, health, support systems and community services challenges can help to improve the basic quality of life of older persons .