Psychological Well-Being and the Elderly in Nigeria

Ibitoye O. Grace, Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund
Olutobi A. Sanuade, University of Ghana

The study examined the prevalence and determinants of good psychological well-being among elderly in Kogi State Nigeria. The cross-sectional study adopted multi-stage sampling technique. Psychological well-being was assessed using WHOQOL-Brief and operationalized as whether the respondent experienced good or poor psychological well-being. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi square test and binary logistic regression. A higher proportion (53.3%) of elderly reported experiencing good psychological well-being. The odds of having good psychological well-being was lower among those with no education and primary education. Current working status (OR=1.6, C.I= 1.25, 2.20) and financial assistance from children (OR=1.9, 95% C.I= 1.46, 2.61) was found to increase the likelihood of experiencing good psychological well-being among the elderly. Effective financial mechanisms should be put in place by government and NGOs to help improve their financial status in the short term as well as enhance their life expectancy in the long run