We Know What We Need: Older Adults’ and Stakeholders’ Perspectives on Ageing, Health, and Wellbeing in Pakistan
1
Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
2
Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
3
School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
4
Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The rapid increase in the older adult population worldwide poses growing challenges for healthcare systems, social support structures, and policy planning. Older adults in LMICs, especially in culturally diverse regions such as Sindh, Pakistan, experience limited access to healthcare, economic insecurity, and social isolation. These challenges underscore the importance of understanding ageing within its social and cultural context and identifying solutions.
OBJECTIVE:
To explore older adults’ and stakeholders’ perspectives on ageing, health, and well-being in Pakistan using a socioecological lens.
METHODS:
This qualitative descriptive study employed focus group discussions (FGDs) with older adults and stakeholders. In urban Karachi, FGDs were conducted with 24 older adults and 24 stakeholders, while in rural Thatta, 26 older adults and 26 stakeholders participated. Each FGD included 4–6 participants and was guided by a semi-structured discussion guide. Data were thematically analysed using the socioecological model.
RESULTS:
At the individual level, participants reported notable mental health concerns, including loneliness, depression, and stress, and emphasised family and community support. Technological barriers were reported, with urban participants expressing a desire to learn how to use smartphones and social media. At the sociocultural level, participants highlighted experiences of diminished respect, weak social integration, and the perceived need for senior care homes. While family support remained central, participants also stressed the importance of opportunities for socialisation and recognition. At the structural level, difficulties in accessing healthcare services and managing medications were major concerns. Limited awareness of existing social security programmes was also reported, indicating missed opportunities to better support older adults.
CONCLUSIONS:
These findings highlight the complexity of ageing-related challenges in LMICs and the need for multi-level responses that address individual, sociocultural, and structural barriers. This study provides evidence to inform inclusive interventions that promote dignity, well-being, and social inclusion among older adult populations in resource-constrained settings like Pakistan.
The rapid increase in the older adult population worldwide poses growing challenges for healthcare systems, social support structures, and policy planning. Older adults in LMICs, especially in culturally diverse regions such as Sindh, Pakistan, experience limited access to healthcare, economic insecurity, and social isolation. These challenges underscore the importance of understanding ageing within its social and cultural context and identifying solutions.
OBJECTIVE:
To explore older adults’ and stakeholders’ perspectives on ageing, health, and well-being in Pakistan using a socioecological lens.
METHODS:
This qualitative descriptive study employed focus group discussions (FGDs) with older adults and stakeholders. In urban Karachi, FGDs were conducted with 24 older adults and 24 stakeholders, while in rural Thatta, 26 older adults and 26 stakeholders participated. Each FGD included 4–6 participants and was guided by a semi-structured discussion guide. Data were thematically analysed using the socioecological model.
RESULTS:
At the individual level, participants reported notable mental health concerns, including loneliness, depression, and stress, and emphasised family and community support. Technological barriers were reported, with urban participants expressing a desire to learn how to use smartphones and social media. At the sociocultural level, participants highlighted experiences of diminished respect, weak social integration, and the perceived need for senior care homes. While family support remained central, participants also stressed the importance of opportunities for socialisation and recognition. At the structural level, difficulties in accessing healthcare services and managing medications were major concerns. Limited awareness of existing social security programmes was also reported, indicating missed opportunities to better support older adults.
CONCLUSIONS:
These findings highlight the complexity of ageing-related challenges in LMICs and the need for multi-level responses that address individual, sociocultural, and structural barriers. This study provides evidence to inform inclusive interventions that promote dignity, well-being, and social inclusion among older adult populations in resource-constrained settings like Pakistan.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
We process personal data collected when visiting the website. The function of obtaining information about users and their behavior is carried out by voluntarily entered information in forms and saving cookies in end devices. Data, including cookies, are used to provide services, improve the user experience and to analyze the traffic in accordance with the Privacy policy. Data are also collected and processed by Google Analytics tool (more).
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
