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“Who doesn’t Have Challenges? I Have a Lot of Challenges”: Exploring the Challenges and Coping Strategies of Neglected Older Adults in Ghana

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the challenges neglected older adults experience and the strategies they employ to cope. A Phenomenological qualitative approach was adopted. Employing criterion purposive sampling, 12 older adults were recruited from a community in Winneba in Ghana. A semi-structured interview guide following focus group discussion was used to explore the challenges and the coping strategies of older adults. Thematic data analysis making use of descriptive coding was employed. The study revealed that neglected older adults experience financial challenges, health issues, and social isolations. They lacked decent accommodation, nutritional food and were prevented from determining the kind of food they want to eat. These neglected older adults survived by adopting internal and external coping strategies. This study offers a better understanding of the needs of neglected older adults and the nature of their coping strategies. It is recommended that financial and social care should be available for older adults.

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Acknowledgements

We thank the participants for their willingness to taking part in the study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Social Studies and Education, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana

    Oppong Jacob Nkansah & Abraham Newton

  2. Priority Research Centre for Generational Health and Ageing, School of Medicine and Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia

    Kofi Awuviry-Newton

  3. Department of Sociology and Social Work, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

    Kofi Awuviry-Newton & Moses Gyasi

  4. Faculty of Educational Studies, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana

    Akosua Serwaa-Adomako Boateng

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  1. Oppong Jacob Nkansah
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  2. Kofi Awuviry-Newton
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  4. Abraham Newton
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Correspondence to Kofi Awuviry-Newton.

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Nkansah, O.J., Awuviry-Newton, K., Gyasi, M. et al. “Who doesn’t Have Challenges? I Have a Lot of Challenges”: Exploring the Challenges and Coping Strategies of Neglected Older Adults in Ghana. J Cross Cult Gerontol 36, 91–104 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10823-020-09419-3

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