Exploring the living arrangements of the elderly in the rural area of Khambi village, Eastern Cape.

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.