Family support and health status of the elderly in Imo State of Nigeria

Author:
UNANKA Godwin O.
Journal article citation:
Journal of Social Issues, 58(4), Winter 2002, pp.681-695.
Publisher:
Wiley

This article highlights ageing issues in a community in a developing African nation. Seventy-five elders were sampled from Imo State, Nigeria. Results indicate that family support is potentially available at a ratio of 3 to 1 with most of the elderly depending on their children, wives, in-laws,and God. The elderly express satisfaction with family care and they rarely live alone. The elders attach greater value to non-material (physical presence/emotional) support. The most prevalent acute and chronic illnesses of the elderly are respectively malaria, followed by severe headache, flu, sleeping problems; and rheumatism/arthritis, followed by failing vision, general weakness and hip problems.

Subject terms:
long term conditions, older people, pain, quality of life, religions, ageing, developing countries, emotions, families, health needs;
Location(s):
Nigeria
Link:
Journal home page
ISSN online:
1540 4560
ISSN print:
0022 4537

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