SOCIAL EXCLUSION AND HOUSE HOLD POVERTY AMONG THE OLDER PERSONS IN NIGERIA

This study investigates how social exclusion impact household poverty among the older persons in Nigeria. This has become essential in order to improve the preparation for old age among Nigerians. Data were gathered using questionnaire and multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 242 respondents. Simple percentages cross tabulations and chi-square statistics were used to analyze the data. The study found that more than half of the respondents admitted to have been discriminated based on their age while about one-third of the respondents said they have not been discriminated based on their age. This indicates that the concept of ageism which is prejudice based on age still persists. The study found out the majority of the respondents agreed that household poverty is an important predictor of whether or not an elderly would be socially excluded. It was also indicated that a slight majority of the elders do not contribute to the decision making process of their household which indicates role loss. In conclusion, the reintegration of the elderly into the value system of the modern society is paramount to enhance higher moral standing, so as not to lose cultural heritage, also the rate of social inequality should be reduced.