Abstract
Compared with western countries, research on homelessness among older people in developing nations is minimal. Unlike in Global North nations that offer income security in late-life, in areas like Sub-Saharan Africa abject poverty contributes to older adults migrating from rural areas to urban centers in search of a means of livelihood. The aim of this study was to explore the challenges faced by homeless older rural-urban migrants in Kobo Town, Ethiopia. This cross-sectional study employed a qualitative descriptive case study. Purposive sampling was used to identify ten older adult migrants who had been homeless for more than a year. Data from in-depth interviews was supplemented with key informant interviews, observation, and document review. The narrative data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Study results revealed that homeless elders faced multiple challenges including lack of necessities such as food, shelter, and water, mobility issues, lack of employment access, social exclusion, and psychological struggles. The findings call attention to the need for practical access to social and economic empowerment responses to prevent and curb homelessness among older adults in developing nations.
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Funding
This study was funded by Addis Ababa University. Additional financial support was received from Dr. Elias Cheboud and Dr. Abebe Teklu (Ethiopian-Canadian Professors of Social Work at University of Victoria and Fraser Valley University, British Columbia, Canada) from their memorial scholarship.
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Gebeyaw, G., Kotecho, M.G. & Adamek, M.E. “Homelessness and Health Problems Are Not Distinct:” the Challenges of Rural-Urban Migrant Homeless Older People in Ethiopia. J Cross Cult Gerontol 36, 347–368 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10823-021-09443-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10823-021-09443-x