Life Is Hard and Getting Harder: The Experience of Aging in Ethiopia

Kotecho, Messay Gebremariam; Chane, Samson; Gebeyaw, Getachew; Zelalem, Abraham; Dawud, Meriem; Adamek, Margaret E.

doi:10.1007/978-3-030-76501-9_4

Cited by 3 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 35 publications

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“…Thus, older adults in Ethiopia have no safety net and so are not protected from becoming homeless. Although there are no national policies or programmes being implemented that successfully address the needs of older adults (Kotecho et al, 2022 ; Zelalem et al, 2021 ), a small unit––the Elderly Affairs Coordination and Supervision Directorate––was recently set up in Ethiopia's Ministry of Women and Social Affairs. Nevertheless, much work needs to be done to address the needs, as well as the assets, of a growing older population in Ethiopia.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In the past, when extended families traditionally cared for ageing family members, the absence of income support and ageing services was not so problematic. However, major societal trends taking place in Sub Saharan Africa, such as migration, urbanisation and the HIV pandemic have altered the nature and extent of family support for older adults (Adamek et al, 2020 ; Kotecho et al, 2022 ). While an estimated 1.5 million children in Ethiopia were orphaned by the HIV/AIDS crisis in the 1980s and 1990s, the nation has achieved the 75% mortality reduction target due to HIV set for 2020 (Mirkuzie et al, 2021 ) with an overall adult prevalence of HIV of <1% (Adal, 2019 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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'No Matter How Harsh, We Are Alive': Coping Strategies of Rural–Urban Migrant Homeless Older People in Ethiopia

Gebeyaw

Kotecho

Adamek

2022

Health Social Care Comm

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The prevalence of homelessness among older adults in Ethiopia is growing. While prior studies examined the push factors and challenges of homeless elders, little is known about how older people cope with homelessness in a context of limited ageing services. This study explored the coping strategies of homeless older people in Kobo Town, Ethiopia. Purposive sampling was used to identify 10 homeless older people and four key informants. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data collected through in‐depth interviews. To cope with the challenges faced on the street, homeless older people used various strategies including begging, holy water, drying leftover food, using river water for hygiene and sanitation, sleeping in church compounds, and creating their own social networks. Despite their best efforts, elders' coping strategies could not overcome the barriers imposed by their resource‐poor environment. The findings call attention to the urgent need for a national response to elders' unmet needs including an income support programme and multifaceted support services for older adults in Ethiopia.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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'No Matter How Harsh, We Are Alive': Coping Strategies of Rural–Urban Migrant Homeless Older People in Ethiopia

Gebeyaw

Kotecho

Adamek

2022

Health Social Care Comm

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“…Increasingly, many elders are left without a caregiver and struggle to survive by engaging themselves in begging, small business activities, and other informal livelihood means (HelpAge International, 2013 ). In the absence of any public income support, many elders in Ethiopia are facing the challenges of homelessness, financial abuse and neglect (Kotecho et al., 2022 ). Ethiopia, a country with more than 5 million elders, has not yet implemented a national ageing policy or any specific entitlements for older adults.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

‘ Hunger would kill us instead of COVID‐19 ’: Elders' response to the pandemic in Debre Markos Town, Ethiopia

Takele

Kotecho

Adamek

2022

Health Social Care Comm

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The COVID‐19 pandemic has posed unpredictable challenges globally. Older adults are among the population groups most vulnerable to COVID‐19. Poor urban elders in Ethiopia struggle to meet their basic needs due to waning traditional familial norms of providing care for elders as a result of urbanisation, poverty and migration. The aim of this study was to give voice to vulnerable elders during the COVID‐19 lockdown in Ethiopia and to reveal their sources of support. Using a qualitative case study design, data were collected from 27 elders aged 60 and above in Debre Markos Town, Ethiopia via in‐depth interviews conducted from March–May 2020. To determine the nature of support provided for destitute elders, data were also gathered from two local officials. Narrative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Four prominent themes were identified: ‘Hunger would kill us instead of COVID‐19,’ ‘Feeling hopeless and begging to die,’ ‘We prefer social support rather than food donations’ and ‘Gratitude.’ Elders considered the practice of social distancing to fight COVID‐19 as an unwelcome luxury for people whose livelihood depends on begging and petty trade. The physical distancing programme put elders in isolation, diminishing their capacity to maintain their livelihood. Due to the increasing disrespectful attitudes towards aged people, elders felt even less valued than usual. Interactions were described as undermining, embarrassing and abusive. A special emergency fund and organised social supports are needed to minimise the effect of the pandemic on vulnerable groups like destitute elders in Ethiopia. Moreover, an institutional welfare response is needed to ensure elders can live a dignified life.

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Prevalence and types of elder abuse in Sub Saharan Africa, systematic review and meta-analysis, 2023

Gedfew,

Getie,

Akalu

et al. 2024

Journal of the National Medical Association

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Life Is Hard and Getting Harder: The Experience of Aging in Ethiopia

Cited by 3 publications

References 35 publications

'No Matter How Harsh, We Are Alive': Coping Strategies of Rural–Urban Migrant Homeless Older People in Ethiopia

'No Matter How Harsh, We Are Alive': Coping Strategies of Rural–Urban Migrant Homeless Older People in Ethiopia

‘ Hunger would kill us instead of COVID‐19 ’: Elders' response to the pandemic in Debre Markos Town, Ethiopia

Prevalence and types of elder abuse in Sub Saharan Africa, systematic review and meta-analysis, 2023

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