Health problems and socio-demographic findings in elderly Nigerians

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Sociology

Background:

• Aging populations present unique health and socioeconomic challenges globally.
• Understanding the specific context of older adults in low- and middle-income countries is crucial.
• Southwestern Nigeria has a significant population of individuals aged 60 years and over.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the sociodemographic characteristics of older adults living in southwestern Nigeria.
• To assess the health status and economic well-being of this cohort.
• To compare findings with similar international studies on aging.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 951 individuals aged 60+ in four locations in southwestern Nigeria.
• Data collection included sociodemographic information, assessment of activities of daily living, and income/pension status.
• Crude death rate estimation and comparison with national averages.

Main Results:

• The cohort represented 7.8% of the total population, with females experiencing higher widowhood and lower education.
• Ninety-five percent reported no physical impairment in daily activities.
• Only 6.4% received regular pensions, and 75% had incomes below the poverty line, with females more affected.

Conclusions:

• Socioeconomic factors, including low income and limited pension access, significantly influence the health of older adults in southwestern Nigeria.
• Multigenerational living is common, but economic vulnerability is high, particularly for women.
• The estimated crude death rate exceeds the national average, underscoring the need for improved health and social support systems.