Lived experiences of older women of Traditional Authority Kachindamoto in Dedza: A psychosocial perspective
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Date
2015-11-01
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Abstract
Experiences of older women in Malawi have not been extensively explored despite
evidence on abuse of older people and the growth of their population globally. This was a
qualitative study which employed hermeneutic phenomenology to explore lived experiences of older women of Traditional Authority Kachindamoto in Dedza. Purposive sampling was done. The sample comprised of sixteen older women. Face to face in-depth interviews were conducted using a semi structured interview guide. Data analysis was done using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Findings revealed multiple psychosocial challenges which older women experience as a result of elder abuse, HIV and AIDS, different forms of loss and finally being the uncertainty of obtaining support. A common psychosocial impact expressed was living a life of torture endured silently leading to low self-esteem. Despite these problems, some older women who were still living with their spouses expressed positive experiences. There is evidence that older women who still have their spouses are respected in society than those without. Additionally, the study has identified other coping mechanisms that facilitate positive living among older women without spouses. The implication is that the multifaceted and multidimensional nature of older person’s challenges calls for a renewed action that have
to involve multi-disciplinary as well as multi-sectoral collaboration and coordination in
offering services for older people.