AN ASSESSMENT OF SOCIO ECONOMIC CHALLENGES OF THE ELDERLY IN RURAL COMMUNITIES IN NIGERIA (ISIN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KWARA STATE)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Aging is essential for both national and economic development, thus it is an inevitable, natural process that comes with accompanying health issues that must be handled. However, humans have always dreamed about delaying aging and resisting death because they are plagued by the fear of dying and the inevitable aging process (Cadmus et al, 2021). Healthy aging is a continuous process that maximizes chances to maintain and improve physical, social, and mental wellness, independence, quality of life, and the ability to successfully navigate life's transitions (Abu, 2018). Furthermore, 65 years of age and older is the definition of an elderly person according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In Nigeria, on the other hand, anyone who is 60 years of age or older is considered elderly (Mamman & Attah, 2019). Elderly care, also known as aged care, involves meeting the unique needs and requirements of senior citizens. This includes various services such as assisted living, adult day care, long-term care, nursing homes, hospice care, and home care (Ekpenyong et al., 2019). The provision of elderly care is diverse globally, influenced by cultural perspectives and practices, making it impractical to confine to a singular approach (Ekpenyong et al., 2019). For instance, in many Asian countries, reliance on government-established elderly care is limited, with preference given to traditional family caregiving methods. The focus of elderly care is on addressing the social and personal needs of seniors who require assistance with daily activities and healthcare, while preserving their dignity (Chawla, 2019). It's crucial to design housing, services, activities, and employee training with a customer-centered approach in mind (Chawla, 2019). Additionally, a significant portion of elderly care worldwide operates within the unpaid market sector, and the types of care provided vary greatly between countries, with ongoing evolution (Brown, 2018). He further explains that even within a single country, regional disparities exist in elderly care provision. Notably, global elderly populations account for the highest health expenditures globally, indicating similarities in eldercare needs worldwide (Brown, 2018). Furthermore, the growing proportion of elderly individuals globally, particularly in developing nations, underscores the increasing demand for eldercare, driven by trends like fertility reduction and smaller family sizes (Ekpenyong et al., 2019). Traditionally, family members provided elderly care within extended family settings (Dorjahn, 2020). However, in modern societies, there's a shift towards state or charitable institutions taking on this responsibility due to factors like declining family size, longer life expectancies, geographical dispersion of families, and increased female participation in education and the workforce (Cox & Mberia, 2018). In Nigeria, rural communities typically exhibit limited access to essential services and infrastructure, including healthcare, transportation, and social support networks. These challenges are compounded for the elderly, who face additional barriers such as financial constraints, physical limitations, and social isolation. Moreover, cultural norms and traditional practices in these communities contribute to the marginalization of older adults, further exacerbating their socio-economic struggles. Therefore, a survey will be conducted to assess the socio economic challenges of the elderly in rural communities in Isin Local Government Area, Kwara state.

Statement of the Problem

 In many societies, an individual's socio-economic status significantly influences their access to social and economic opportunities. Even in communities where resources like healthcare facilities are fairly distributed, socio-economic factors often hinder individuals from effectively utilizing these resources. This hindrance may stem from an inability to afford such services or a lack of information necessary for their utilization. These challenges are direct consequences of an individual's socio-economic standing within society. Globally, individuals of lower socio-economic status face heightened vulnerability to preventable and treatable health hazards, despite the presence of healthcare facilities within their communities. Consequently, significant mortality rates are recorded among this demographic due to their inadequate utilization of available healthcare services. Many elderly in these circumstances endure needless suffering, even when orthodox medical facilities and alternative healthcare providers are accessible. These observations prompt inquiries into the underlying factors influencing their attitudes and behaviors towards healthcare utilization across different socio-economic statuses, particularly in rural areas. The situation exacerbates in rural regions where healthcare facilities and information may be scarce. Even in communities with relatively sufficient healthcare infrastructure, the lack of information, influenced by social status, remains a critical determinant of healthcare utilization, especially in rural settings. This phenomena supports Buonor's (2022) claim that death rates are greater in rural than in urban areas, highlighting the influence of socioeconomic variables on disparities in care. It is in the light of these that the study seeks to assess the socio economic challenges of the elderly in rural communities in Isin Local Government Area, Kwara state.

 1.3  Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to assess the socioeconomic challenges of the elderly in rural communities in Isin Local Government Area, Kwara state. Specifically, the study will;

Find out whether there is availability and accessibility of healthcare services for the elderly population in Isin Local Government Area, Kwara state.

Assess the economic status of the elderly Isin Local Government Area, Kwara state and its impact on their livelihood.

Investigate factors influencing the socioeconomic status and well-being of elderly individuals in rural Nigeria.

Identify the predominant socioeconomic challenges faced by elderly in Isin Local Government Area, Kwara state.

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

Is there is availability and accessibility of healthcare services for the elderly population in Isin Local Government Area, Kwara state?

What are the economic status of the elderly Isin Local Government Area, Kwara state and its impact on their livelihood?

Whet are the factors influencing the socioeconomic status and well-being of elderly individuals in rural Nigeria?

What are the predominant socioeconomic challenges faced by elderly in Isin Local Government Area, Kwara state?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

Ho: There is no significant association between socio-economic status and the challenges faced by the elderly in rural communities in Isin Local Government Area, Kwara state.

Ha: There is a significant association between socio-economic status and the challenges faced by the elderly in rural communities in Isin Local Government Area, Kwara state.

1.6  Significance of the Study

The findings of the study will help the Isin Local Government Area authorities to recognize and improve the general welfare of older individuals, policy decisions, resource allocation, and community development activities can be informed by an awareness of and response to socio-economic difficulties among the aged. Also, the study will reveal to the government on the need to develop programmes specific for the elderly in Nigeria, that would improve their food intake, functional capacity and economic status. Furthermore, subsequent researchers will use it as a literature review. This means that other students who may decide to conduct studies in this area will have the opportunity to use this study as available literature that can be subjected to critical review. Invariably, the result of the study contributes immensely to the body of academic knowledge with regard to the socioeconomic challenges of the elderly in rural communities in Isin Local Government Area, Kwara state.

1.7 Scope of the study

The scope of this study is boarded on the socioeconomic challenges of the elderly in rural communities in Isin Local Government Area, Kwara state. Empirically, this study will identify the predominant socioeconomic challenges faced by elderly in Isin Local Government Area, Kwara state, investigate the availability and accessibility of healthcare services for the elderly population in Isin Local Government Area, Kwara state, assess the economic status of the elderly Isin Local Government Area, Kwara state and its impact on their livelihood and investigate factors influencing the socioeconomic status and well-being of elderly individuals in rural Nigeria.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to residents of Isin Local Government Area, Kwara state, Nigeria.

1.8 Limitation of the study

In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents. In addition, there was the element of researcher bias. Here, the researcher possessed some biases that may have been reflected in the way the data was collected, the type of people interviewed or sampled, and how the data gathered was interpreted thereafter. The potential for all this to influence the findings and conclusions could not be downplayed. 

More so, the findings of this study are limited to the sample population in the study area, hence they may not be suitable for use in comparison to other schools, local governments, states, and other countries in the world.

 1.9 Definition of Terms

Socioeconomic: refers to the interconnection between social and economic factors in the community.

Elderly: individuals who are advanced in age, usually beyond retirement age, and often experiencing the physical, cognitive, and social changes associated with aging.

Rural community: is a settlement or area located outside urban centers, typically characterized by lower population density, agricultural activities, natural landscapes, and limited access to urban amenities and infrastructure.