The Social Exclusion Experience and Coping Strategy of Elderly People: Poverty in Focus Case of Shagar City Burayu Town Ejersa Gorro Subcity

Dereje F

Published on: 2023-12-09

Abstract

This study examines the life experiences of social exclusion of the elderly and their coping strategies (poverty in focus) in Shagar City, Burayu Town, Ejersa Gorro Subcity. Several socio-economic and psychological problems affect Ethiopia's elderly because of social exclusion. For this reason, five indicators have been selected and used from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). The study employed qualitative research methodology, particularly interpretive (hermeneutic) phenomenology, was applied, and non-probability sampling was chosen as the sampling method, from which purposive sampling was picked to conduct the research. A combination of in-depth interviews, key informant interviews, and observation was used to collect the data. Data collected was analyzed thematically. The qualitative findings show that elderly people experience various forms of exclusion, reflected in expulsion from social connections, cultural activities, community engagement, fundamental services, and neighborhood relationships. The study also shows that exclusion from social and neighborhood relationships and cultural activities are ultimate important ranges of social forbiddance experienced by study participants. In all areas of the dimensions of social exclusion, different contending strategies were noticed, displaying that the elderly are energetically trying to correct their situation. It further performs that similar designs are used indifferent domains of public forbiddance, with ultimate important methods being based on individual capabilities (restricting certain personal behaviors and preferring to stay at home) and social networks (waiting for help from family members). Examining the different aspects of social exclusion experienced by elderly people helps to identify social problems faced by older people, such as social isolation and poverty, which need to be taken seriously in future research, practice, and policy implementation.