THE PSYCHOSOCIAL NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY AND ITS IMPLICATIONS (A CASE STUDY OF OKPUNO OTOLO COMMUNITY IN NNEWI NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA ANAMARA STATE)
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Abstract
Nigeria has no functional national policy on the care and welfare of older persons. Changing demographics in Nigeria, in addition to the breakdown of the family structure and absence of a social security system, present unique challenges to the elderly in Nigeria. This paper analyzes the current policy lacuna and future issues concerning older persons in Nigeria. It posits that the introduction of neoliberal economic policies created a vacuum in policy formulation and execution in which the older persons are not provided for within the social safety nets in the neoliberal state. This exploratory, qualitative study is based on interviews and
narratives of interviews with government officials. The findings of the study show that, in the face of rapid demographic change, one of the major challenges facing Nigeria is developing policies and appointing personnel capable of understanding and responding to the current social priorities and complex needs of an increasingly ageing population in the country. Furthermore, the findings of this study shows that modernization has brought a lot of changes in ageing population in Nigeria. The more modernized a society becomes the more the status of the other declines. The extended family no longer care for aged parents at home because of modernization. Based on the findings, the study provides recommendations that may assist the government to table policies that will promote the well-being of the elderly in Nigeria
narratives of interviews with government officials. The findings of the study show that, in the face of rapid demographic change, one of the major challenges facing Nigeria is developing policies and appointing personnel capable of understanding and responding to the current social priorities and complex needs of an increasingly ageing population in the country. Furthermore, the findings of this study shows that modernization has brought a lot of changes in ageing population in Nigeria. The more modernized a society becomes the more the status of the other declines. The extended family no longer care for aged parents at home because of modernization. Based on the findings, the study provides recommendations that may assist the government to table policies that will promote the well-being of the elderly in Nigeria
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