Abandono del adulto mayor en la Fundación Santa María de la Esperanza en el cantón Chordeleg, provincia del Azuay

Abstract

The abandonment of older adults at the “Santa María de la Esperanza” Foundation, located in the canton of Chordeleg, province of Azuay, is a social issue that is manifested through the weakening of family bonds, social isolation, and limited community participation, which increases the emotional and social vulnerability of this population. This research aimed to analyze the social factors that influence the abandonment of older adults, specifically family, economic, community, and institutional factors, to understand how they affect this situation and to contribute to strengthening social work interventions. The methodology used was qualitative and descriptive, with a non-experimental design, using the inductive method, as well as documentary, bibliographic, and field techniques, applying semi-structured interviews focused on the life stories of institutionalized older adults. The results showed that abandonment is mainly related to a lack of family commitment, economic limitations, weak community support networks, and insufficient institutional and state intervention, which generates feelings of loneliness, emotional deterioration, and loss of social integration in older adults. It is concluded that the abandonment of older adults is a complex and progressive social phenomenon influenced by multiple interrelated factors. Therefore, it is essential to strengthen family bonds, promote community participation, and improve public care policies to ensure a dignified aging process and a better quality of life.