Impact of Social Isolation on End-Of-Life Experiences among Older Adults in Nyanga, Zimbabwe

The increasing prevalence of social isolation among older people has become an emerging concern worldwide. This concern is particularly evident in rural areas; this includes Nyanga, which is a rural community in Zimbabwe. Due to these geographic constraints, older adults have limited accessibility to social, health, and support services. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of social isolation on the end of life experiences of older adults living in Nyanga, Zimbabwe.
This research will attempt to explore the manner in which limited social interaction, loneliness, and reduced family support (a result of migration) impacts the psychological, emotional and social wellbeing of older adults who are nearing their final years.
In order to gain insight into the lived experience of older adults, and also identify coping strategies used to address social isolation, a qualitative phenomenological methodology was employed. Findings from this study are anticipated to contribute towards the design of community based initiatives and policy, with the goal of improving both the quality of life, and end-of-life care for older adults residing in rural areas throughout Zimbabwe.

Social Isolation, older adults, end of life experiences, loneliness, ageing

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