TRIPLE CHALLENGES OF OLD AGE, WIDOWHOOD AND VISUAL IMPAIRMENT AMONG TWO ELDERS IN OSUN STATE, NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Old age in most people is associated with quite a number of challenges in terms of dwindling income, poor social support, low quality of life and declining health status. The journey of old age could be more challenging if there is any major bitter life experience such as widowhood or permanent physical disability. This study examined the peculiar old age experiences of two visually impaired, widowed old persons (a male and a female) in Osun state Nigeria. A descriptive case study design was adopted, using interpretivism approach which is based on naturalistic approach of data collection. Through this, the challenges, needs and survival strategies of the victims are portrayed.

Keywords: old age; widowhood; Visual Impairment; vulnerability, life experience