The structural adjustment programme and the elderly in Nigeria

Area of Science:

• Socioeconomic impacts of policy changes
• Gerontology and aging studies
• Nigerian economic and cultural transformations

Background:

• Nigeria experienced economic shifts due to oil prices in the 1970s, preceding the 1986 Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP).
• The introduction of SAP brought significant social, cultural, and economic changes to Nigeria.
• These transformations have implications for the well-being of the elderly population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the impact of economic changes and cultural shifts on the elderly in Nigeria.
• To examine the effects of the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) on older Nigerians.
• To compare the situation of the elderly in the pre- and post-SAP eras.

Main Methods:

• Utilized pooled data from observations and surveys.
• Conducted analysis across pre- and post-SAP periods in Nigeria.
• Examined differentials in the elderly's situation based on region and individual factors.

Main Results:

• The relative socioeconomic position of the elderly has not significantly changed compared to younger generations.
• The elderly face deteriorated access to economic and health resources post-SAP.
• Significant regional and individual variations exist in the elderly's situation, both pre- and post-SAP.

Conclusions:

• While the elderly's relative standing remains similar, their access to essential resources has worsened.
• Economic policies like SAP have distinct impacts on different segments of the elderly population.
• Understanding regional and individual differences is crucial for addressing the needs of older Nigerians.