The Elderly Peoples’ Perception of Their Social Well-being in Selected Mainstream Churches in Affluent Karen-Langata Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

The world is experiencing exponential growth in the elderly population. Old age is a difficult time characterized by unfamiliar terrain of loss of traditional family social systems, poor health, and social challenges. This study examined the elderly people's own perception of their social well-being in selected mainstream churches in affluent Karen-Langata, Nairobi, Kenya. The study used a qualitative descriptive phenomenological approach. A purposeful sampling method was used to select 11 respondents in the in-depth interviews and 12 respondents in the focus group discussions. The population of the study was the category of the young-old who were 60-75 years. Verbatim data were transcribed, and descriptive themes were generated to show individual perspectives. According to the findings, the death of spouses, dwindling social networks, lack of social roles, and broken family ties led to isolation, loneliness, and poor social integration. Their sense of solidarity and inclusion in society was experienced through an invitation to functions and receiving and giving aid, while it was also hampered by not being visited, loss of mobility due to illness, and by living in isolated neighborhoods. In addition, belonging to welfare groups, church fellowships, and receiving economic support and social support from significant others gave the elderly people a sense of belonging and therefore influenced their social well-being. The growing elderly population should prompt policymakers to give priority to measures that will improve their social well-being. The government should review the Ksh. 2,000 given to the elderly, considering those who also retired at 60 years. Elderly-friendly insurance plans or free medical services for the elderly should be available. The churches should also prioritize programs for the elderly.