The role of livelihood activities for empowering elderly women: a study in the Matara District

Abstract

The feminization of ageing can be identified as results of increases in female longevity compared to that of males. Moreover, women comprise an increasingly significant proportion of the older population in Sri Lanka. A majority of elderly women have experienced more hardship in their old age such as widowhood, powerlessness, helplessness, low self-esteem, low self-efficacy, inadequate income and poor wellbeing. Traditional social security networks for elderly people in Sri Lanka are not capable to adapt to changes arising from old age and empower them. As a result elderly women have become backward in their old age. Livelihood activities are a useful method to change old people from passive clients into active and empowered individuals with a positive self-image. The objective of this study was to identify the role of livelihood activities for empowering elderly women. Methodologies of this study were both survey and case study methods. The main respondents of this study were elderly women, aged 60 to 74, who were actively engaged in livelihood activity (economic activity). Purposive samples of 40 from urban and rural area elderly women were selected for the questionnaire survey and case studies. Two Gramaniladari Divisions were selected within the Matara District, each from Matara (urban) and Weligama (rural) Divisional Secretariat Divisions in order to compare the urban- rural sector difference. According to this study it can be identified that livelihood positively contributed to the empowerment of elderly women who are between ages 60 to 74. Livelihood enhanced their socio-economic wellbeing. This is indicated through thier increasing level of income, which has enabled them to manage their daily expenses by avoiding uncertainties of their old age. In addition this also helps to ensure a healthy and active life for elderly women.