Social Support and the Wellbeing of the Elderly: A Study of Butiiti Sub-county in Kyenjonjo County, Kyenjonjo District

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the contribution of social support on wellbeing of the elderly people in Butiiti Sub County in Kyenjojo District, Uganda. The study objectives were; 1) to identify the contribution of emotional on wellbeing of elderly, 2) to examine the contribution of instrumental support on wellbeing of elderly, and 3) to establish the contribution of informational on wellbeing of elderly. The study used questionnaires to collect quantitative data from a sample size of 96 elderly civil servants and interviews to collect qualitative data from key informants who included; social workers, religious leaders, MoGLSD officials and local chiefs/leaders. Findings revealed that the elderly receive emotional support in form of re-assurance, advice, being listened to and encouragement to keep on moving which promotes their wellbeing. However, majority of the elderly reported lack of emotional support as most of them reported to be neglected by their family members and stay alone in the house that causes stress, depression, lack of materials to use and with no access to information hence reducing their wellbeing. Instrumental support informal of decent housing, food and drinks and clothing were found to improve the physical well-being of elderly however, majority of the elderly reported poor housing and lack of food and drinks and clothing due to lack of support from family members and community. One of the key informants indicated that instrumental support in form of proper housing/shelter and clothing helps the elderly to live a dignified life which improves their wellbeing. Majority of the elderly reported lack of informational support since they lacked television sets, radios, newspapers and are usually alone in houses without any one to share information with. They reported to feel being outside Uganda as they don’t know what is always happening which was affecting their emotional and psychological wellbeing. It was generally concluded that social support improves wellbeing of elderly; however, the elderly lack enough social support especially from their family members. The study recommended that Similar research should be done on the same topic but covering the whole district of Kyenjojo so as to get enough data that when analysed can generate results helpful in generalizing the role of social support on wellbeing of elderly so as to make informed planning of the district for social support