THE ROLES OF ELDER IN THE PROMOTION OF HEALTHY LIVING OF THE FAMILY
ABSTRACT
The study assessed the roles of the promotion of the family in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The discipline research method was used in total carrying out the study
The population for the study were elderly who are within the age bracjket of 65 years and above (male and female) in
Ojo local Government Area of Lagos Sate which constitute a total number 2,268
The sampling techniques used were purpositive, simple random sampling technique
Data collection was done with a 30 item validated quesrtionaire
Disccriptive survey method was used for the study.
Statistic of ;percentages, frequency table, mean standard deviation and person product movement correlation.
The result shows that the elderly have an excellent knowledge about their role and he position the hold in promoting
healthy living in the family. They also realised that they need a high level of support from both family socially and
government for them to be relevant in their disposition in promoting healthy living in the family.
In conclusion, here is need for social workers to grow because they will support the elders their families and
care workers for the frail and disabled elderly in the community for them to perform their roles
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.0 Background of the Study
The world is in the midst of a unique and irreversible process of demographic transition that will result in older
population everywhere. As fertility rates decline, there is increase in life expectancy of the old. The number of persons
aged 60 years and older in 1999 was nearly 600,000 worldwide (United nations, 1999). The organization went further
that the proportion of persons aged 60 and over is expected to double between 2007 and 2050 and their actual
number will more than triple, reaching 2 billion by 2050. This is due to prevention or elimination of causes of death in
early life, resulted in a population constituting an increasing proportion of elderly people.
In most countries, the number of those over 80 is likely to quadruple (four times) to nearly 400 million by then. (United
Nations,1999). By 2050, the population of the older people will be larger than the population of children for the first
time in history (Government Actuary’s Department, 2013). Older persons are increasingly seen as contributors to
development, whose abilities to act for the betterment of themselves and their societies should be woven into policies
and programmes at all levels. Currently, 64 percent of all older person live in the less developed regions a number
expected to approach 80 percent by 2050 (United nations, 2007).
Udoh (2000). asserted that the problem of ageing and elderly as an increasing social problem in Nigeria, has only
been talked about glibly in the mass media and when attempts have been made to address the socio-economic
problems of these citizens, it has only largely been a matter of benevolent intentions, rather than concertizing these
intentions with definite programmes for the elderly by the social system.
Udoh (2000), further submits that the programme for the care of the elderly, often limited to the urban areas is left with
voluntary humanitarian organizations with no regular means of funding. Unless the populace understand the problem
and needs of the elderly, they are not likely to get the care they need. This will always result into friction and
disharmony and as well affect healthy living and interpersonal relationship within the family.
According to Nnamani, (2004), care of older relatives is a value which is culturally rooted and highly respected, but
there is an observable progressive shift in function away from the traditional family, due to economic problems,
migration and influenceby foreign culture, The Nigeria government and political leaders believe that the provision of
care is the responsibility of families. Policy emphasis is more on young people, women and children. Onyeoma,
(2003).
Nnamani ,(2004), confirmed that the contribution of pension scheme (insurance) that has been reformed does not
cover many older persons, and is mainly designed for those who work(ed) in the former sector, is yet to make
appropriate impact on the lives of older people. On the issue of elders abuse and neglect, Okon, (2007) stressed that
there is yet no law on elders abuse. Creation of awareness of abuse as a public health and social issue has been
intensified since the first World Elders Abuse Awareness Day took place in most major cities in Nigeria in 2006.
The various anomalies associated to care of the elderly are deterent to the roles expected of them in the promotion of
healthy living both in the family, community and the society as a whole. On this note, Magnus, (2009) submitted that
Nigerians depend on their children at old age for wellbeing; care for the elderly has not been of priority to successive
government in Nigeria; no government policy or legislation in place with which government can provide for the aged;
pensioners find it difficult to receive their pension regularly; many parents live from hand to mouth, and mouth-end to
mouth-end; many elderly men and women lack familial support system, suffer abuse, These affect the elders natural
and residual roles in the promotion of healthy living within the family or wherever they arc domiciled.
1.1 Statement of the Problem
The health or older adults is influenced by many factors. One of the least understood is the role of that social support
and personal relationship in health and ageing. Welfare and social policy as a major part of welfare provision for the
elderly are poorly institutionalized. This makes life miserable and unpalatable for the well being of older community
dwellers. Okunola, (2002). Based on this, the study is designed to look particularly into social and intimate relationship in promoting healthy family living.
THE ROLES OF ELDER IN THE PROMOTION OF HEALTHY LIVING OF THE FAMILY