ASSESSMENT OF FACTORS AFFECTING ELDERLY LIVING CONDITIONS IN WOREDA 8, LIDETA SUB-CITY , ADDIS ABABA

Abstract

The main objective of the study is to assess the factors affecting the elderly living conditions in lideta sub-city, woreda 08, Addis Ababa. This study was conducted with the specific aim of exploring the belief, attitude and experiences of elders on the ways of improving their living conditions and to identify the major challenges that affected the elderly living conditions in woreda 8, Lideta sub-city, Addis Ababa. This study was used both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. The data collection work is conducted through key informant interview, questionnaire, relevant documents review and observation. The findings of the research shows that the factors affecting the living conditions of elderly comprised of poor income, poor housing, and lack of social and healthcare conditions. The most common factors that affect the living condition of elderly in the study area were poor income condition which accounts for 19(63%) which was followed by health related issue 5(17%), housing problem 3(10%) and social support 3(10%). To alleviate these problems, the research recommended that importance of a separate policy and social security scheme for noncontributory and non-pensioner poor elderly people; the government should formulate standard of operation that articulates the minimum support packages, and strategies to guide the programs.