Neglect, Abuse, Social Isolation, and Loneliness among Older Persons: Evidence from Case Studies in Urban, Rural and Estate Communities in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The ageing population in Sri Lanka presents significant socio-economic challenges, necessitating a deeper understanding of the issues faced by older adults. This study delves into the multifaceted impacts of neglect, abuse, social isolation, and loneliness among older adults (age 60 years and over) in Sri Lanka with a particular focus on the resulting economic burden and socio-economic implications. This chapter employs qualitative data gathered from three case studies in urban, rural, and estate older communities in the Colombo, Gampaha, and Kalutara districts in Sri Lanka. The qualitative data, which were gathered through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FDGs) and key informant interviews (KII), were used to explore the lived experience of older adults. The data were analysed using thematic and content analysis. The study findings discovered that older persons’ abuse is less prevalent compared to neglect, social isolation, and loneliness at the community and household levels due to the existence of informal elderly care within the family settings. Urban ‘underserved’ elderly experience more neglect, social isolation and loneliness compared to rural and estate elderly. In addition, weaker social connections, inadequate financial security and health-related morbidity issues are common in the studied urban elderly. Rural communities, in contrast, demonstrate strong social cohesion, where neighbours support each other in caring for older persons and actively engage them in collective social activities. However, the economic burden on ...