1 research outputs found
The Definitions and Onset of an Old Person in South-Western Nigeria
The paper investigated the definitions and onset of an old person in South-Western Nigeria. The study captured
13 and 11 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Lagos and Oyo States. The states were selected randomly
among the six states in the southwest geo-political zone of Nigeria. Similar procedure was adopted in selecting
the LGAs. A triangulation approach was used in the research design. Four FGDs and 30 In-depth interviews
were conducted as exploratory approaches. This was later complimented with face-to-face interviews among
938 old persons using questionnaire administration in the selected locations. Only descriptive analyses were
carried out. Major findings include different dimensions of the definitions of 'an old person' which centered on
frailty, inactivity, loss of strength, respect; sickness; growing old and inability to do hard work. A popular
assertion for the onset of old person is that anyone who has reached the age of 50 years and above is regarded as
an old person. The finding contradicts other culture (especially western) perspectives that old person or elderly
begins at 60 or 65 years. The study represents an insight for governments and other stakeholders that all plans
and benefit/provisions for aged should take into cognisance the onset of this period and give room for
appropriate classification aged in South West Nigeria