Aging Alone in the City: Systemic Exclusion, Social Isolation, and Loneliness among Older Refugees in Nairobi, Kenya

This study explored the mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of older refugees experiencing protracted urban displacement in Nairobi, Kenya, drawing on focus group discussions with 53 refugees from the DRC, Ethiopia, Somalia, and South Sudan. Using a framework analysis, the study found that systemic exclusion—driven by policy gaps such as delays in implementing Kenya’s 2021 Refugees Act—created forced dependency and significant distress. Displacement disrupted social networks, leading to profound social isolation, while participants described loneliness as an emotional expression of disconnection, unmet expectations of aging, and exclusion from society. These findings highlight the need for age‑inclusive, tailored interventions that address structural barriers and strengthen social support systems to reduce isolation and enhance wellbeing among older refugees.

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