Contribution of family social support on well-being of elderly women in Kati-Kolo village, Mukono District, Uganda

Abstract

This study was conducted to explore the contribution of family social support to the well-being of elderly women in Kati-Kolo village, Mukono Municipality, in Uganda. The objectives of the study were; to explore how elderly women in Kati-Kolo village experience and interpret the companionship of family members in relation to their well-being, to find out the role of family social networks in shaping the well-being of elderly women in Kati-Kolo village and to find out the types of family support elderly women in Kati-Kolo village perceive as most meaningful to their well-being. The study adopted a case study research design utilizing a qualitative research approach, with a sample size of 22 respondents selected through a purposive sampling method. Data was collected using in-depth interviews with the aid of in-depth interview guides and observations. The study revealed that intergenerational positive relationships are very critical for the well- being and survival of the elderly women. If these relationships are not valued, family companionship is bound to collapse. The findings also revealed that kinship is crucial for the survival of the elderly women as these networks create a sense of understanding that women are valued as the mothers of the nation; ignoring them is ignoring humanity. Furthermore, the study shows that elderly women crave for psycho-social, spiritual and physical support as a way of promoting their well-being. The findings conclude that family social support serves as a crucial buffer against the challenges of aging, thereby enhancing the physical, emotional and mental well-being of elderly women. Nonetheless, emotional neglect, inter-generational conflict, health and economic hardship continue to pose significant challenges to the well-being of the elderly. The study recommends that families in Mukono Municipality, and Uganda more broadly, fortify their roles in delivering emotional, physical, and health support to elderly women.

Key words: Family social support; well-being; elderly women