AN ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL SUPPORT SYSTEM AND THE CHALLENGES FACED BY OLDER ADULTS IN ANKPA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KOGI STATE, NIGERIA
Fareedah Muhammad and Yunusa Abdulrahman Mohammed, PhD
Volume 5 Issue 2
Abstract
The value of social support in boosting the quality of life of older individuals cannot be overemphasized. Though several studies have been carried out on social support systems in Nigeria, none has assessed the place of social support systems for older adults in Kogi state, let alone the Ankpa local government area of the state. This study, therefore, analyzes the social support system and the challenges faced by older adults in the Ankpa local government area of Kogi state, Nigeria. The study adopted the survey design, which includes both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. A total of 332 respondents were validly surveyed through the instruments of a questionnaire and an interview. Findings of the study revealed that older adults received emotional support from family, friends and close relatives, while support from the government and non governmental organisations was negligible. The study further found that older adults faced two major challenges: low financial and health-related support. The challenges stem from non-payment of pensions and the strain imposed on family structures due to economic hardship. Therefore, the study recommends the following: the Government should formulate a national institutional care policy to improve the quality of life for older adults; ensure prompt and regular payments of pensions; and provide free medical services to older adults. Implementation of these recommendations will give solid interpersonal relationships that lead to human integration, reassurance, direction, and material assistance for older adults in Nigeria. Keywords: Ageing, Medicare, Population, Social Support, Socioeconomic,
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