Exploring the social and psychological well-being of the aged in Teshie, Ghana

Abstract

Psychological well-being is a complex personal phenomenon, especially among the aged. This is because the aged are confronted with physical and mental health issues as a result of being jobless, lonely and dealing with the loss of dear ones. Several studies have examined the psychological and social well-being of the aged. However, little is done in Ghana. The present study, therefore, explored the indicators of social and psychological well-being among the aged. This was an exploratory study conducted among the aged in Teshie in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. A homogeneous purposive sampling was employed to sample a total of 12 participants for the study. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect information on respondents‘ demographic and socio-cultural factors, elements of psychological wellbeing, sources of psychological wellbeing, consequences of poor psychological wellbeing, and ways of maximizing psychological wellbeing. The data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Coding process used to generate themes include Condensed meaning unit, description close to the text, interpretation of underlying meaning, sub-theme to arrive at the main themes. The study revealed that building healthy relationships with children, neighbours and family, self-acceptance and challenging life events affect their psychological well-being. The study demonstrated several coping strategies such as words of encouragement, regular physical exercise, social activities, positive relations with others, and medications. Continuous crying, sleeplessness, and emotional pain were revealed as consequences of poor psychological well-being among the aged. Again, attending church activities, engaging in family duties and mentorship are activities the aged engage in to maximize their psychosocial well-being. This study concluded that the aged at Teshie, have poor psychological well-being. Thus, most of the participants are reliving their bad events instead of relishing the most rewarding events. It is recommended for the Ministry of Social Welfare, to develop volunteerism programs to sustain the aged in order to increase well-being.