The Impact of Loadshedding on the Psychosocial Well-Being of Older Adults in Residential Facilities in South Africa: Implications for Gerontological Social Services

Abstract Planned rolling electricity outages in South Africa when electricity demand exceeds supply (“loadshedding”) have a multifaceted impact on the population. To the authors’ knowledge, the impact of loadshedding on the psychosocial well-being of South African older adults (60+) in residential facilities has not been investigated. The phenomenon was considered from an ecosystem lens. The study aimed to determine the impact of loadshedding on the psychosocial well-being of South African older adults in residential care and provide guidelines for gerontological social services. Quantitative research utilising a cross-sectional design and non-probability sampling was undertaken. Face-to-face surveys were conducted with 68 older adults at five facilities, both public and private, in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. Stress (Perceived Stress Scale), resilience (Brief Resilience Scale), and loneliness (Brief Loneliness Scale) were investigated. Participants reported moderate levels of perceived stress ( M = 17.7) and moderate feelings of loneliness ( M = 14.7) during loadshedding. A significant proportion of participants (67.6%) reported that loadshedding affected their psychosocial well-being. Participants’ resilience scores were within the “normal” range ( M = 3.7) regarding loadshedding. The experiences reported by older adults in residential facilities suggested associations with feelings of stress and loneliness during loadshedding. Recommendations for individual psychosocial support, group support among similarly affected older adults, advocacy, and long-term solutions to secure alternative power supplies that enable older adults to resile amid loadshedding are offered.