Estrategias de Subsistencia y el Rol de las Redes de Apoyo de las Personas Adultas Mayores Sin Pensión Jubilar Beneficiarias del Centro Diurno Santo de Asís en Azogues, Cañar - Ecuador, Año 2025

Abstract

This research, entitled "Subsistence Strategies and the Role of Support Networks for Older Adults Without Retirement Pensions Beneficiaries of the Santo de Asís Day Center in Azogues, Cañar - Ecuador, 2025," identifies the various strategies older adults employ to subsist without the pressure of retirement and the role their support networks play. The target population for this research consists of older adults who are beneficiaries of the Santo de Asís Day Center in Azogues. The methodology employed is a qualitative approach with a phenomenological design of exploratory scope. The data collection technique used was semi-structured interviews, guided by a questionnaire, which were administered to a sample of 15 older adults. The results show that the subsistence strategies employed by older adults without pensions are primarily based on the informal economy and financial assistance from family members. However, faced with insufficient resources, they resort to strategies such as prioritizing food, reducing basic expenses, and seeking family support. A positive finding is that older adults value the support they receive from their support networks, as feeling accompanied generates a sense of joy and tranquility. A negative finding is that community support is limited.