Navigating life and old-age alone: The struggles of elderly half-widows in Kashmir Nazir Sumeera, Manzoor Shazia, Rashid Javaid Department of Social Work, University of Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir-190006 Online published on 27 October, 2023. Abstract This research paper explores the challenges faced by eight elderly, sixty years and above, half-widows,whose husbands have disappeared in the last three decades, belonging to Baramulla and Kupwara districts in Jammu and Kashmir, were purposefully selected as participants. The study was conducted through in-depth interviews. The themes that emerged from the analysis of their narratives include the difficulty of navigating the legal system alone, the social stigma associated with being a half-widow, and the economic challenges of living without a husband The women spoke about the impact of their husbands’ disappearance on their mental health and their struggles to access health care and support services. The study highlights the need for interventions and policies that address the specific challenges faced by elderly half-widows in Kashmir. It calls for increased support for these women, including access to healthcare, financial assistance, and legal aid The paper emphasizes the importance of addressing the social and cultural factors that contribute to the vulnerability of half-widows, including stigma and discrimination. Top Keywords Disappearance in Kashrnir, Elderly half-widows, Ageing, Mental Health. Top |