Socio - economic Situation of the Elderly in Jimma Zone, Oromia/ Ethiopia

Abstract

In the past, the elderly had strong social support and full respect. The traditional socialmatrix has, however, now changed and the elderly are one of the poorest andmarginalized sections of the population. This study was conducted in Jimma zone on thesocioeconomic situation of the elderly. The study employed cross-sectional design, andmethodological triangulation to gather data: interviews, observations and questionnaires.Almost half of the elderly were living in disorganized family structure. The elderly hadmeager income, deteriorated state of health and declined social support. Informal socialsupport from kin is weak or totally lost, and majority of the elderly were not in a positionto have access to formal support. Age related physical limitations, migration, retirement,death of supporters, recklessness of children and the declining capacity of care-givers areamong the factors for elderly sufferings. Farming, begging, using leftover foods andstuffs, limiting needs and seeking support from their networks were the major copingstrategies adopted by the elderly. Control over resources, participation in societalactivities and having renowned children were perceived as sources of elderly privilege.The elderly identified capital, free medication, job opportunity and provision of basicservices as their top needs. The study concludes, if the current condition continuesunchanged, the future might be a difficult time for the elderly. Government,communities, NGOs and other stakeholders have to provide seed capital and jobopportunity, cover medication and basic needs of the elderly, enable elderly exercise theircapabilities and strengthen the capacity of care givers.