| dc.description.abstract | This article presents evidence from a qualitative study in which 67 in-depth interviews
and a focus group discussion were conducted with ageing and old market women. The study
focused on what ‘old’ means and how ageing and old market women redefine the meaning
of ‘old’ to gain economic independence. The findings indicate that the meaning is still greatly
attached to physical changes; there are differences in how different individuals respond to the
changes, as some challenge the gender stereotypes and prejudices attached to old age and
show resilience. Indicators of resilience among market women included: an active economic
lifestyle, asset ownership, the freedom to socialize, the ability to make decisions about what
it is they value, and the ability to earn an income. Indeed, ageing women in market trade are
less dependent on others. To these women, seniority in age was no longer a challenge, nor
a source of distress; instead, it was a motivator for pushing forward. Based on the findings,
the authors recommend extending social security grants to enable even more old persons to
start and maintain economically rewarding ventures. | en_US |
