Browsing by Author "Edoni, E.E.R"

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    Elderly Widows Destitution inYenagoa, Nigeria
    (Indian Gerontological Association., 2015) Adeyanju, A.B; Onasoga, O.A; Edoni, E.E.R
    This descriptive study on 13 elderly widows living in Yenagoa, was conducted to explore the possible factors contributing in the destitution of widows and to find out their experiences. They were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guides in order to identify and examine the factors that contribute to increasing number of elderly widows in destitution. The findings of the study revealed that elderly destitution was caused by social, economic and cultural factors. The widows became destitute and socially isolated through causes such as divorce, lack of social support, social stigma, labelling, rejection and homelessness. Economically, widows became destitute because of poverty, lack of job, social security, and disinheritance. Culturally witch craft, abuse from in-laws, humiliation, inheritance troubles, polygamy, remarriage and disobedience of social norms were identified as causes of destitution. Most elderly widows in destitution live under or abandoned buildings or spoiled buses. There is no source of medical treatment thus causing ill health. For such a community it is suggested that the concept of remarriage and inheritance must be considered to make it possible to have their say and to take decision whether to remain widow,or remarry, be inherited or divorce so as to live a normal life. .