THE NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY
ISSN: 0331-4111 e-ISSN: 2736-075X
Volume 22, No. 1, June 2024
Pages 1-17
DOI: 10.36108/NJSA/4202.22.0110
Golden Years in Nigeria: A Qualitative Exploration of the Experiences and Challenges Facing the Elderly
Tolulope Funmilola Ojo
Department of Sociology, University of Chicago, USA
Abstract
As Nigeria’s population continues to age, understanding the experiences and challenges faced by the elderly has become increasingly important. This manuscript explores the unique journey of Nigeria’s elderly population, shedding light on their experiences, and the hurdles they encounter. Through a qualitative approach, two focus group discussions and 12 in-depth interviews were conducted with 28 elderly participants, revealing nuanced perspectives on their daily lives. The data collection lasted for two months beginning from June 3 to August 2, 2023. Data were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis. The analysis process involved identifying patterns, themes, and connections within the data, which were carried out using ATLAS.ti qualitative data analysis software. The findings underscore the multifaceted issues encountered by the elderly, including limited access to modern healthcare facilities, familial and societal changes impacting social support networks, financial constraints, and the intersectionality of insecurity and unemployment. There is an urgent need to implement policies to address the lack of modern health facilities in rural areas, reduce waiting times at health centres, expand health insurance schemes tailored to the unique needs of the elderly, and revise pension policies to ensure an adequate and sustainable income for the elderly.
Keywords: Challenges of the elderly, pension policies, health and well-being of older persons