Abstract

With the advancing age of the population and increasing demands on healthcare services, community participation has become an important consideration for healthy aging. The extent to which community participation has been measured objectively in older persons remains scarce. The study adopted a qualitative research approach using a single round approach of cross-section design and purposive sampling approach and snowballing as a form of inquiry to explore older person’s participation in development initiatives at the community level in Dedza, Malawi. The survey method was used to collect qualitative data using the Focus Group Guide, the Key Informant Interview guide, and the In-Depth Interview by use of the researcher-administered questionnaire. The target population consisted of all older persons in the Dedza district and 3 key informants and 3 youths using purposeful sampling. The sample size of the study comprised of 54 participants. Data was transcribed, translated, analysed, and grouped into themes which were subdivided into subthemes. The study results on social economic factors demonstrate that older persons are influenced by self-participation perception, being direct beneficiaries, gaining small-scale business loans, in community development initiatives. On barriers, the study found that factors such as health, physical, sex, age, and social are negatively affecting older persons' participation in community development initiatives. The current study makes recommendations applicable at all levels for older persons participation through a creation of monitoring mechanisms by government to enhance participation and inclusion in all stages of community development activities, raising awareness of the rights of older persons to curb stigma and discrimination against and increased social protection programs that aim at addressing all the rights and needs of older persons.

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School	: School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Issued Date	: 2022

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