Authors : Adeyanju A. Babafemi, Oyedele Emmanuel Adetunji and Alao Moses Taiye
Abstract: The percentages of Nigerians living up to the age of 52 and above have increased significantly and these elderly people had not been given attention by the existing health care system and they are faced with many health and social problems. They need to be helped to maintain their health. The study examined specific experiences, the feelings, the coping strategies of the elderly and determines the role of family members in their care. Eight hundred purposively selected elderly people through Snowballing technique from 9 randomly selected local government areas in the state whose ages range from 60-98 years formed the study population. A semi structured interview schedule comprises of 4 sections of 46 questions and was tested for validity and reliability using Test-Retest Method and coefficient of 0.82 was established. Data collections took 12 weeks and were analyzed. The result indicated that elderly people complained of fever, hypertension, gastrointestinal disorders and generalized pains as well as vision problems and social constraints such as limited opportunities, neglects, loneliness, frustration and harassment. It was also found that highly educated elderly people reported better health. Elderly people in polygamous marriage had better psychosocial support than those in monogamous marriage. Furthermore, elderly people who earned higher income had improved health status. The health and social status of elderly people was mostly affected by income, age, familiar care coupled with social support and some varying degrees of common ailments being experienced by them. Hence, government and private spirited individuals need to create programs for the elderly wellbeing.
Adeyanju A. Babafemi, Oyedele Emmanuel Adetunji and Alao Moses Taiye, 2014. Health and Social Problems of Elderly People in Selected Areas of Ondo State, Nigeria. Research Journal of Medical Sciences, 8: 45-49.