Psychosocial challenges faced by older widows in Bangladesh: A qualitative study

Widowhood in later life is a critical, yet understudied, issue in Bangladesh, where patriarchal norms and limited social welfare infrastructure exacerbate the vulnerabilities of older women. This exploratory qualitative study examined the psychosocial challenges faced by 20 older widows from both rural and urban areas of Bangladesh. Using a basic interpretative approach, data were collected in person via semi-structured interviews. The findings of the study reveal three themes: (1) being trapped in a cycle of poverty, marked by malnutrition, inadequate healthcare, and financial dependency; (2) experiences of exclusion and neglect within families and communities, resulting in diminished dignity and social isolation; and (3) repeated harms, including verbal abuse, emotional mistreatment, and, in some cases, sexual harassment. These challenges reflect multiple, interconnected psychological issues that have implications for the well-being of older widows in Bangladesh. The study underscores the urgent need for social protection policies for older widows, improved access to healthcare and mental health services for them, and mechanisms that ensure their inheritance and property rights. This study contributes to global gerontological scholarship by documenting the day-to-day challenges of older widows in Bangladesh. Findings point to potential policy implications to advance widow welfare in resource-constrained settings.