SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC INDICATORS OF ELDERLY ECONOMIC WELL-BEING IN NGERIA

This study investigates how socio-demographic indicators impact on well-being at old age in Nigeria. This is essential in order to improve the preparation for old age. Reliable information is also required to formulate comprehensive social security system for the elderly. Quantitative data were collected through individual-based questionnaire. Multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select local government areas, enumeration areas and individuals for the study. In all, 200 respondents were interviewed. The study found that in terms of education, more than a quarter of the respondents with high education have better economic wellbeing. Level of education is statistically related to level of satisfaction with old age wellbeing. Among the females, less than one-fifth of the respondents reported satisfaction with old age economic wellbeing. Type of family is somewhat statistically related to elderly persons’ economic wellbeing. This underscores the inadequacy of their income from pension. In conclusion, the idea that old-age security and well being in Nigeria should remain the primary responsibility of the family is untenable. Government must assume the primary responsibility in a partnership in which the family also continues to play a significant role.