The Influence of poverty on Elderly Health: A Case Study of Islamabad City

Pakistan is one of the poorest countries of the world. 24.3% of the people are living below the poverty line. There is lack of resources that having greater effect on the health of elderly. The population of elderly increases, and the problems associated with them as well. Poverty was the cause of such poor health and livelihood patterns in the area. In current study how aging, gender, health issues increases poverty in elderly were discussed. For the study major objectives were, to explore the socio-economic problems of elderly and examine the reciprocal relationship of poverty, aging and health among the elderly in Islamabad. Qualitative sampling procedure were adopted for the study with major emphasis on the in-depth interviews, purposive sampling methods. Health and economic conditions of the old-agers were analyzed and find out that, due to lack of children’s interest for the wellbeing of parents, lack of financial resources and due to aging, elderly people needed someone for their care. There was no one for their help, children were engaged in their livelihood, so they do not have time for their parents. The study also documented that, due to aging the health conditions of the elderly were poor, they need extra care but lack of emotional attachment and connection of youngers with parents they faced both physical and psychological health issues, and aging increases the intensity of such issues. Study also concluded that, elderly people needed external help because they were not able to take care of themselves. The present study concluded that only the health conditions but the experiences by elderly due to less economic resources and social negations of responsibilities such as children and other relatives were the root cause of their ill-health. Children must cooperate with them, it was their moral and ethical responsibility. Parents are the fortune for youngsters they must cooperate with them and get benefits in the form of blessings and well of God. Supervisor:- Dr. Muhammad Jahangir Khan

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Author: Lamia Iqbal
Supervisor: Muhammad Jehangir Khan

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