Ageing Mental Health Elderly Women Social Work Depression

This study examined the effect of ageing on the mental health of women in Ikpoba-Okha: Implications for Social Work. The study sought to explore the psychological, emotional, and social challenges faced by ageing women, as well as the coping strategies adopted to maintain mental well-being. It also investigated the role of social workers in mitigating mental health problems associated with ageing. A quantitative research design was adopted, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to elderly women aged 60 years and above in selected communities within Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State. A total of 220 respondents were sampled using simple random sampling techniques. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts and percentages.
Findings revealed that most ageing women in Ikpoba-Okha experience varying degrees of depression, loneliness, and anxiety, largely due to declining physical health, economic hardship, neglect by family members, and reduced social participation. The study also showed that effective social support systems, counselling, and community-based interventions play crucial roles in promoting mental health among the elderly. The study concluded that ageing significantly affects women’s mental health and called for proactive social work interventions aimed at promoting emotional stability and social inclusion. It recommended increased government support, family involvement, and community awareness programs to mitigate the psychological impact of ageing among women.