02772    a2200205   450000500170000008200260001710000230004324501950006626400550026130000490031650400410036552019300040652600070233665000480234365000500239170000290244170000300247070000340250070000320253420260715150422.0  aTH 378.242 E9671 20261 aEdjan, Jeffrey Q.   aExploring the lived experiences of elderly individuals living alone / cJeffrey Q. Edjan, Kate Angielene B. Asoy, Yzah Marie A. Castillon, Princess Angelie De la Flor, Cristine Alexa Ramirez 1aSibalom, Antique : bUniversity of Antique, c2026  aviii, 112 pages : billustrations ;  c29 cm  aIncludes bibliographical references   aAbstract 
This study explored the lived experiences of elderly individuals living alone, focusing on the physical, psychological, social, and emotional impacts of solitary living. Utilizing a qualitative phenomenological approach, seven participants were purposely selected from the municipality of Patnongon in Antique, Philippines. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed five overarching themes: Life-Sustaining Strategies for Independent Aging, which includes labor-driven survival and resource conservation through economic planning; Living on a Tight Rope: Weakened Body, Thin Resources, describing diminishing physical capacity in later life and financial insecurities that hinder independent living; Psychosocial Vulnerabilities of Aging in Solitary, encompassing loneliness resulting from living alone and anticipatory fear due to perceived vulnerability to life threats; Psychosocial Adaptations of Elderly Individuals in Solitary Living, which highlights reliance on faith for health, cognitive regulation through thought suppression, and the value of social engagement as a source of joy and belonging; and From Acceptance to Shared Wisdom, reflecting acceptance of life's realities and nurturance expressed through offering advice and care to the younger generation. The study emphasized the multidimensional challenges faced by elderly individuals living alone and underscores the importance of strengthening community support systems, improving access to healthcare, and creating programs that foster social connectedness. This research offers valuable insights for policymakers, social workers, healthcare professionals, and future researchers seeking to enhance the well-being and quality of life of solitary-living Elderly individuals.

Keywords: elderly individuals, lived experiences, living alone, mental health, loneliness  aTH  aHigher educationvTheses and dissertations   aOlder peoplexSocial conditions.zPhilippines1 aAsoy, Kate Angielene B. 1 aCastillon, Yzah Marie A. 1 aDe la Flor, Princess Angelie 1 aRamirez, Cristine Alexa, A.