A Qualitative Study of the Meaning for Older People of Living Alone at Home in Rural Ghana

Abstract

Many people live alone in old age, often with significant health and other challenges. Living alone may contribute to social isolation, with this concept understood as loneliness that has negative influences on health and wellbeing. Alternatively, living alone could be salutogenic (or positive). An interpretive-descriptive study explored the meaning for older adults of living alone at home in rural Ghana, a developing African country. After purposive sampling, multi-day observations and repeated interviews of 10 individuals occurred until data saturation was achieved. Three themes emerged: (a) how they came to be living alone, (b) their variable ability to competently and comfortably live at home alone in old age, and (c) fears associated with living alone in old age. Most of the participants interviewed indicated that living alone was not a choice. Many difficulties with living alone were present, including fears about personal safety and the need to cope with health and income issues. As such, new considerations for old age social isolation were identified. With accelerating population aging, more older people will be living alone, making it essential for health and social policies to be designed in rural and urban areas of each country that address local cultural and economic realities.