Violence in War and Armed Conflicts as Experienced by Older Persons: A Meta Ethnographic Study

Older persons often stay in conflict zones, abandoned by younger generations and neglected by the government, putting them at risk of becoming victims of violence. This meta-ethnographic study aims to review and synthesise qualitative research on violence in contexts of war and armed conflicts as experienced by older persons and explore how violence in war and armed conflicts affects the health and well-being. Databases (CINAHL, PsychINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus) were searched for studies with a qualitative approach and participants aged ≥ 55 years. Twenty qualitative studies were included, describing experiences of persons from seven countries. Guarding the past and ensuring a future was established as an overarching metaphor in a lines-of-argument synthesis, accompanied by five themes: To endure a violent situation; Home - the heart of existence; To witness a fragile family line; Alienated and abandoned by society- adding insult to injury and Maintaining normality in an abnormal situation. Through interpretation, an understanding emerges of how separation from loved ones, the breakdown of healthcare services, and remaining in conflict areas can significantly increase vulnerability, while simultaneously demonstrating the resilience of older persons and their willingness to serve as resources within their communities.