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Verfasser
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Ngozwana, Nomazulu
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Titel
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Experiences of older adults as caregivers during times of disruption in Lesotho. Implications for adult education
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Jahr
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2019
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In
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Zeitschrift für Weiterbildungsforschung 2019(2): RaumZeit in der Erwachsenenbildung
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Seite
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289 - 304
- Zitierlink
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http://www.die-bonn.de/id/37138
Um diese Ausgabe zu zitieren, verwenden Sie bitte diese Internetadresse.
- Abstract
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The high mortality rate among Lesotho’s younger generation, caused by disruptions such as chronic illnesses and other socio-economic and cultural changes, has led older adults to become caregivers. This paper reports on the experiences of older adults regarding their caregiving role during times of disruption. It further reveals how older adults have learned about their role as caregivers. Adult learning theories were reviewed and used to interpret the results of the study. The interpretive paradigm using a qualitative approach was used with 25 older adults, who were purposively chosen. Their responses were filled in a questionnaire with open- and close-ended questions, whereas five community leaders were purposively selected and interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. The results reveal that older adults learned about caregiving roles in non-formal ways, with health education issues disseminated in a workshop by community health workers. On the other hand, other older adults indicated that they learned informally through awareness raising campaigns held by community home-based caregivers and volunteers from various non-governmental organisations. The results point to the compromised well-being of older adults as a consequence of the burden of caring for their grandchildren with little or no resources to perform such caring roles. It is recommended that a holistic approach to build the capacity of older adults be used. This will empower older adults to participate in self-help groups and income-generating projects, and it will train them in vocational skills and knowledge alongside caregiving issues.
