Strategies Used By Elderly Couples To Strengthen Marriages And Maintain Stability Within Westlands Sub-County, Nairobi County

Purpose: The Thesis was a study to strategies used among elderly couples aged over 55 years in Westlands Sub-county of Nairobi. Methodology: Thirty purposively selected elderly participants with required characteristics were snowball sampled. Ten other respondents were purposively selected; who possessed special characteristics for FGD, making a total of 40 participants. 10 respondents were selected for reliability and validity only. Informants and leaders facilitated with Snow ball sampling method. The study used qualitative, exploratory and descriptive research design. The research tools consisted of questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions (FGD). Elderly couples shared wisdom on how they maintained stability. Analysis was done using SPSS and NVIVO software. The FGD yielded a summary of frequently recorded words, codes, themes, as well as quoted statements which the elderly envisioned as turning points in their marriages. Findings: The study found that many marriages were unstable may be because of lack of premarital preparations by the community, the elders, religious institution or the government. However, historically violence, separation and divorce have always been there in relationships but the horrors of homicides and murders were almost unheard of. To-day these sad horrors are of almost daily occurrence among the society. There are social stresses, marital storms, injury o children and suicides. Most of these are caused by psychosocial issues such as irrational behavior within some families. Consummation of alcohol and drug abuse may bring about stresses which may cause emotional stress to families. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that all people wishing to enter marriage should be prepared in premarital sessions by qualified professionals. Peer groups could be formed to indicate the type of program for their premarital preparation. The young people at village level, tertiary colleges and Universities should be sensitized about marriages.