Aging and Displacement: A Qualitative Study of the Lived Experiences of Elderly Internally Displaced Persons in Debre Birhan, Ethiopia

Abstract

The present study explores the lived experiences and multifaceted challenges faced by elderly internally displaced persons (IDPs) residing in the Debre Birhan IDP camps in Ethiopia. The purpose of the study was to gain an in-depth understanding of the social, psychological, economic, and health-related hardships encountered by this in danger part of population. A qualitative phenomenological research design was employed to dig out the nuanced realities of participants. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 23 elderly IDPs selected through purposive and snowball sampling technique. Thematic analysis was used and revealed five core themes: psychological distress, economic hardship, social isolation, deteriorating health conditions, and exploitation/abuse. The findings revealed that the elderly IDPs are disproportionately affected by displacement, with limited access to services and minimal coping resources. This study contributes to the limited body of literature on elderly IDPs in Ethiopia and offers vigorous insights for humanitarian agencies, policymakers, and social workers aiming to develop inclusive and responsive interventions.