Well-being among older persons with disabilities in Trinidad

Given the expected increase in the proportion of older persons and evidence of poverty among persons with disabilities in general, well-being among older persons with disabilities is an important issue. Using Sen's capability approach, this article examines well-being among older persons with disabilities in Trinidad. A multiphase mixed-methods design with three phases was employed. In the initial exploratory phase, functionings which are things people value doing or being were identified via 11 interviews. These functionings were used in the subsequent phase to develop an instrument with both closed- and open-ended questions. The instrument was then administered in the third phase to measure well-being and to identify its hindering factors. Responses from 31 participants revealed moderate-to-severe deprivations among older persons with disabilities in Trinidad including for functionings related to food, healthcare, information and transportation. The integrated findings suggested changes to social care and healthcare systems to promote well-being among older persons with disabilities in Trinidad, as well as the need to develop community interactions and public services regarding transportation, supportive devices, and therapy.