Voices in Margin: The Everyday Lives of Elderly Women in Underserved Communities of Lahore

Abstract

Older women living in underserved urban communities often experience the combined effects of gender inequality, poverty, ageing, and limited access to social support; however, their everyday lived experiences remain underexplored in Pakistani research. This qualitative study aimed to explore how elderly women from underserved communities in Lahore understand and make meaning of their daily lives, challenges, and coping strategies. A narrative research design was employed to capture participants lived experiences through in-depth semi-structured interviews. Four elderly women aged 60 years and above were recruited using purposive sampling from underserved communities in Lahore, Pakistan. Data were analyzed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. Four overarching themes emerged from the analysis: (a) A Life of Fractured Kinship and Gendered Survival, (b) Healthcare Marginalization and Structural Exclusion, (c) Embodied and Silenced Suffering, and (d) Faith, Patience (Sabr), and Everyday Resilience. The findings revealed that participants experienced lifelong gender discrimination, economic hardship, restricted autonomy, and unequal access to healthcare. Family relationships, although essential for survival, were often characterized by emotional neglect, unequal power dynamics, and unpaid caregiving responsibilities. The study contributes to the limited qualitative literature on ageing women in Pakistan by amplifying the voices of elderly women living in marginalized urban communities. The findings highlight the need for gender-sensitive ageing policies, accessible healthcare services, and community-based support systems that recognize both the vulnerabilities and strengths of older women.