Resilience and health outcomes among elderly refugees: A nursing perspective on overcoming trauma and isolation

Abstract

This study explores the resilience and health outcomes among elderly refugees, focusing on their experiences of trauma, social support, and cultural adaptation in Cairo, Egypt. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, the study highlights the enduring psychological effects of displacement, including anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, and the significant role of social connections and religious practices in fostering resilience. Despite the profound challenges of displacement and cultural alienation, the findings reveal that social support and religious faith are critical in helping elderly refugees navigate their new environment and maintain their mental and physical well-being. The study underscores the need for culturally sensitive, long-term mental health interventions and social integration policies tailored to the specific needs of elderly refugees, emphasizing the role of healthcare providers in promoting resilience and improving health outcomes in this vulnerable population.