Exploring the living arrangements of the elderly in the rural area of Khambi village, Eastern Cape.
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Date
2021
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Abstract
Living arrangements of the elderly people in rural South Africa are diverse and influenced by
culture, politics and socio-economy. Elderly people in rural areas often face difficulties
specific to their place of residence, low population density, geographic distance and difficulty
accessing remote areas in particular which pose challenge for public transport service
provision and community life. This study aims to shed insights into the living arrangements
and living conditions of the elderly in Khambi village, Eastern Cape. Exploratory case study
research design was used to elicit data from sixteen elderly participants who are 60 years and
older using telephonic semi-structured interviews. The sampling technique used was
snowball sampling and thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. This study
draws on the hierarchy of human needs theory to better understand living arrangements and
conditions of the elderly. The findings of the study shows that living arrangements of the
elderly are affected by limited social services with less support from their families,
community and government. Further results indicated that rural elderly people are living in
poverty with poor health status, limited access to healthcare services, unsafe environment and
lack of basic care. Elderly people are suffering due to lack and limited resources in their
residences. Support is inadequate and not always available when the need arose. There is a
great need for efficient care for rural elderly people to improve their living arrangements.
Description
Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.