Silent Sufferings of Old Age People: A Study of Pokhara Aged Shelter

Abstract

The thesis entitled "Silent Sufferings of Old Age People: A Study of Pokhara Aged Shelter" is mainly focused on the daily routine experiences of senior citizens and their sufferings in daily life. A descriptive qualitative case study design was used to explore the experiences. The senior citizens from Pokhara Aged Shelter were selected in the study. The total number of respondents was 25. The primary data was obtained from the field work with in-depth interview. Qualitative data was recorded, transcribed and thematic analysis was made. Elderly people describe themselves as useless and worthless. They have nothing to contribute to social life and the community. Social activities are reduced after ageing.

They have fear of pain, disability, decline, loss of control and death and also involved feelings of anxiety, fear and powerlessness. Elderly people have negative feelings such as emptiness, sadness, resignation, frustration, loneliness and regret. It could be caused by living alone, limited activities or troubles to cope with ageing. They feel discouraged and helpless. During the ageing process, they give up daily activities gradually.

Old age is not a problem itself but it becomes a problem when the obvious physical and mental changes brought by old age make men unable to do their own necessary basic things. The issue of senior citizen and old age should be addressed appropriately as other social problems in society. Older persons missed having somebody to share their small daily experiences. Even though elderly people maybe already have lost their friends or other important persons, people who are still alive should keep in touch with them to support their ageing process. Family is an important factor that contributed to the elderly people’s ability to cope with. Positive attitudes bring benefits for ageing process.