Living Arrangements among the Elderly in Kwara State, Nigeria
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Date
2013
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Faculty of Social Sciences, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria
Abstract
Living arrangements is somewhat crucial towards the enhancement of the lifestyle and wellbeing of the aged citizens in the society. Hence, this paper therefore the living arrangements among the elderly population (64 years and over) in Kwara State. Six Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Baruten, Pategi, Asa, Ilorin West, Ekiti and Oyun were systematically chosen from the three senatorial zones (North, Central and South) of Kwara State from where 488 elderly respondents were systematically sampled through structured questionnaire and interviews. It has been observed that there is still a high regard for filial obligations across space, even though capacity to do so has been highly weakened due to biting poverty, unemployment and the fast diminishing traditional communal lifestyle and family system. Hence, about 70% of respondents have in their children and spouse a safety net. Also, co-habitation with nuclear relation is the most profound amongst majority (71.3%) of respondents across space. The study recommend a proper re-education of the citizenry towards the essence of communal living, reinforcement of the values and beauty inherent in the extended family system and qualitative geriatric care.
Description
Empirical Research Article
Keywords
Elderly; Living Arrangements; Filial Relationships; Extended family system