Health problems and socio-demographic findings in elderly Nigerians

Nine hundred and fifty-one persons aged 60 years and over, living at home in four locations in southwestern Nigeria were studied. The cohort representing urban and rural dwellers, constituted 7.8% of the total population. Female residents had higher widowhood rates and lower levels of educational attainment than males. Multigenerational living arrangements were popular. Ninety-five percent of the cohort had no physical impairment on assessment of activities of daily life. Only 6.4% were on a regular pension (males more than females, P < 0.001) and income for 75% was less than the estimated poverty line (females more than males P < 0.001). Estimated crude death rate was also higher than the national average. The effects of these socio-demographic factors on health are diverse. Comparisons were made with similar studies in other cultures.