TANTANGAN KESEJAHTERAAN SOSIAL PENDUDUK LANJUT USIA DI DESA KOBALEBA KECAMATAN MAUKAROKABUPATEN ENDE

Abstract

The increasing number of older adults has led to greater demands for social services, healthcare, and welfare support. Older adults often face various challenges in fulfilling their daily needs, which may affect their social well-being. This qualitative descriptive study aims to analyze the social welfare challenges experienced by older adults in Kobaleba Village, Maukaro District, Ende Regency. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation. The findings show that older adults in Kobaleba Village still face various challenges in fulfilling their material, spiritual, and social needs. Material challenges are related to economic limitations, access to healthcare services, and welfare support programs. In the spiritual dimension, older adults remain actively involved in religious activities as a source of comfort and psychological support. Meanwhile, in the social dimension, although family and community relationships remain relatively strong, some older adults experience loneliness, limited mobility, and restricted social interaction opportunities. Despite these challenges, most older adults remain actively engaged in economic, religious, and social activities. These findings indicate that participation in meaningful activities contributes to the well-being of older adults and supports the relevance of social activity theory in explaining the aging process in rural communities.