DETERMINANTS OF LATER LIFE SATISFACTION AMONG SENIOR CITIZENS IN BENIN METROPOLIS EDO STATE, NIGERIA

This study examined the determinants of later life satisfaction among senior citizens in
Benin Metropolis, Edo State, Nigeria. The study arose from the limited context-specific
evidence on later life satisfaction in Nigeria, particularly the absence of an integrated
analysis of how socio-economic factors, health care status, social support networks, and
place of residence shape well-being among older adults. Guided by Disengagement Theory
and Activity Theory of Ageing, the study investigated the relationship between socioeconomic
factors and later life satisfaction, assessed the influence of health care status on
well-being, evaluated the role of social support networks, compared later life satisfaction
between rural and urban senior citizens, and identified areas of later life conditions that
require improvement. The study adopted a pragmatic mixed-methods approach and used a
correlational survey research design. The population comprised male and female senior
citizens aged 60 years and above in rural and urban communities in Benin Metropolis. A
sample size of 1,350 respondents was selected, and 1,309 valid questionnaires were
retrieved and analysed, representing a response rate of 97.0 percent. The study used
multistage sampling, while accidental sampling was adopted at the community level because
no comprehensive sampling frame for senior citizens existed. The researcher collected
quantitative data through structured questionnaires and qualitative data through in-depth
interviews with purposively selected elderly participants. The study analysed quantitative
data with descriptive and inferential statistics using the Statistical Package for Social
Sciences (SPSS), while it analysed qualitative data through manual content analysis and
thematic analysis.
The study found that later life satisfaction in Benin Metropolis is multidimensional and
strongly influenced by socio-economic conditions, health care status, social support
networks, early life experiences, and place of residence. Among the socio-economic
variables, age, marital status, education, and economic status significantly influenced later
life satisfaction. Younger seniors aged 60–64 years reported higher satisfaction than older
age groups, while married respondents expressed greater satisfaction than widowed or
divorced respondents. Health care status emerged as another major determinant. Seniors
who engaged in regular health check-ups, had access to health facilities, and rated the
quality of care positively reported higher satisfaction, whereas poor access to health care and
frequent health challenges reduced satisfaction. Seniors who enjoyed emotional support,
financial assistance, and active participation in community life reported greater well-being
than those who experienced weak family ties or social isolation. The study identified
financial security, housing conditions, health care access, social support, recreation, and
participation in community decision-making as the key areas requiring improvement.
The study concluded that later life satisfaction among senior citizens in Benin Metropolis
depends less on inevitable withdrawal from social life and more on the extent to which older
adults retain economic security, access to quality health care, supportive social relationships,
and opportunities for meaningful participation. The study therefore recommended the
expansion of pension support, improved geriatric health services, stronger community-based
social support programmes, targeted rural interventions, and broader opportunities for social
inclusion and participation among older adults.