Psychosocial Well-being of the Elderly in Ibadan Metropolis

Abstract

This study investigated determinants of the elderly in Ibadan metropolis.
Wellbeing of elderly has become essential in order to improve the
preparation for old age among Nigerians. Purposive sampling
technique was used to select a total of four hundred and ninety elderly
people, comprising 463 (70%) of 662 members of National Union of
Pensioners, Agodi Branch and 27 (100%) of those residing in Old
Peoples’ Homes in Ibadan Metropolis. A set of pre-tested questionnaire
was used to collect data from respondents. Information was obtained on
the respondents’ socio-economic characteristics; type of support enjoyed
(emotional, financial, companionship, or access to information), and
perceived level of spiritual wellbeing. In-depth interviews were also
conducted on a cross-section of care-givers and people with aged relations
in the study area. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in
analysing quantitative data obtained for the study, while qualitative data
were content analysed. Financial support was found to be the most
prominent form of support enjoyed by majority of the respondents and
companionship, especially, of biological children, was the least prominent
form of support enjoyed by the elderly in the study area. Higher
proportion of females were found to enjoy access to information and
financial support while higher proportion of males enjoyed
companionship and emotional support. Higher proportion of polygamists
were found to enjoy access to information, companionship and emotional
supports while higher proportion of monogamists enjoyed financial
support. The study identified the fact that the traditional importance of
family in providing support is perceived to be fast dwindling due to
changes in cultural practices in the city. Major implications of the study’s
findings is the need to evolve strategies to strengthen accessibility of the
elderly to adequate support that will enhance their spiritual well-being,
as the cultural support system is fast crumbling in the city.