Aging in an Era of Change: Contextualizing the Upcoming Demographic Shift in Marich Pass, North Western Kenya

Abstract

Research on aging in low income countries tends to overlook socio-cultural dimensions, including the significance of change. Because countries like Kenya are expected to witness a demographic shift in coming years, and because different forms of change will place new pressures on existing resources during the same timeframe, there is a need to bridge this gap. This study therefore grapples with the following question: How is change shaping the characteristics and needs of Kenya‘s aging population? This thesis adopts a mixed methods approach informed by critical gerontology and life course perspectives to examine the aging experiences of Pokot elders living in Marich Pass, north western Kenya, in face of multi-scalar changes. Results highlight the challenges and opportunities created by change, and illuminate a need to develop resources to support informal caregivers, to buttress existing formal supports, and to develop additional formal supports to address the unique needs of Pokot elders.