The effects of COVID-19 on the welfare of the elderly in Kawempe Division, Kampala District

Abstract

This study focused on examining the effect of COVID-19 on the welfare of the elderly in Kawempe Division, Kampala District. It identified the economic and social impact of COVID 19 on the welfare of the elderly in Kawempe Division, and identified the coping strategies adopted by the elderly to cope with COVID-19. The study was conducted in Kawempe Division, Kampala District and conducted for a period of one month. A Cross Sectional and Descriptive research design was used for this study and the data collection methods were interviews and observations. The study consisted of 20 participants, which included the elderly, counsellor for the elderly, COVID-19 District Task Force Members, Caretakers of the elderly, Community Development Officer and LC officials. The findings indicate that the elderly faced numerous challenges during the COVID-19 lockdown period. The findings strongly revealed that, the major challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns in the area to the elderly were financial in nature, it had consequences on jobs, businesses shut, and household income of the elderly reduced or were lost. Socially, there were cases of domestic violence, family breakdown and drug abuse, among others. To cope up with the lockdown, the elderly people used various methods which include acceptance, religion, physical and psychological strategies.