IDENTIFYING THE NEEDS AND PROBLEMS OF NON-INSTITUTIONALIZED ELDERLY PEOPLE

Abstract

This study's objective is to identify the demands of elderly adults and the measurements that need to be taken quickly before the issue becomes exponentially worse. It is focused on determining the mental health issues faced by elderly adults. Using thematic analysis, exploratory qualitative research design was used to attain the study's objectives. Data was collected from Faisalabad and Toba Tek Singh districts of Punjab province of Pakistan from May 2022 to July 2022. The sample of this study was comprised of n=21 participants using a purposeful sampling technique. All the participants were selected to be aged≥65. The semi-structured interview methods were used for data collection. This study identified the numerous problems and needs of elder adults. Themes included in this study are “Elder adults face the problem of poor relationships,” “Older adults live alone,” “Face challenges and Struggle for financial need”, “Misbehavior of children with older adults”, “Worries increase in old age”, “Difficulties come with age”, “Needs basic requirements, love, and care” and “Pray that children should be obedient”. The findings were that older adults need care, love, and basic requirements and want a happy life with children. Older adults face the problems of loneliness and financial difficulties, and they worry about children's misbehavior. They pray that their children will be obedient, and must live with their parents. Therefore, as youngsters, we must focus on older adults for their needs and solve their problems. It is concluded that elderly people face various issues (personal, interpersonal, societal, and economics-related), and their needs are deprived when they experience loneliness at home and are not entertained by their family members properly.