Socially excluded? Kenyan elderly and participation: a case study of Kolwa Division

“Too often older people are stereotyped as passive or helpless—the realities of their lives unobserved” (Gorman, 2002 p. xiii). This paper is about participation verses social exclusion of the elderly in Kenya. I believe that the latter constrains their constitutional right to full participation. The prevailing social injustices, structural violence, inequality, attitudes and perceptions restrict the capabilities of this minority population. The definition by United Nations and African Union that the elderly are those above 60 year of age has been adopted for the purpose of this research paper whereas the theory of Dullemen (2006, p 101) that ― "....aging world is a working world" is the basis of this paper‘s argument. In order to explore Kenyan elderly participation in community af-fairs, as well as factors that hinder their full participation, a case study was done in Kolwa Division in Western Kenya. Responses from 22 interviewees (all natives of the study area) revealed that the elderly of both genders participate in leadership, conflict resolution, care for orphans and the sick, farming, businesses, cultural activities and politics. The study further revealed that a combination of structural, social and internal (personal) factors such as gender differences, culture, socio-economic status, education, power relations and personal characteristics trap these senior citizens in a spiral of disadvantage by constraining their capabilities. In my view, this is social exclusion and self-exclusion which negatively affects the quality of life of the elderly of Kolwa Division. The Capability approach theory by Sen and Nussbaum has been used to argue that the elderly too have capabilities. Enhancement of their individual freedoms and real opportunities is what the elderly need in order to achieve functioning such as good nourishment, good health, self-respect and social integration instead of being perceived as dependent. I concur with Dullemen (2006, p 101) that ―”There is an urgent need for a change of attitude towards the elderly, who should not be perceived as a burden to society but as key players in the productive and reproductive field.”