Family support and health status of the elderly in Imo State of Nigeria

This article highlights ageing issues in a community in a developing African nation. This exploratory study uses quantitative and qualitative methods. Seventy-five elders were sampled from Imo State, Nigeria. Results indicate that family support is potentially available at a ratio of 3 to I with most of the elderly depending on their children, wives, in-laws,and God. The elderly express satisfaction with family care and they rarely live alone. The elders attach greater value to non-material (physical presence/emotional) support. The most prevalent acute and chronic illnesses of the elderly are respectively malaria, followed by severe headache, flu, sleeping problems; and rheumatism/arthritis, followed by failing vision, general weakness and hip problems. The implications of these findings for policy are considered.