Family Support for the Nigerian Elderly

Abstract

Modernization theorists have argued that the breakdown of the family is an inevitable result of urbanization and industrialization. The elderly are deprived of many of their roles and isolated from younger generations, who no longer listen to or support them. A survey of men and women over 60 years of age in southern Nigerian cities and villages questions the accuracy of this model. It is obvious that theia,mily is still a strong basis for support for the elderly, though varying resources and opportunities produce different levels, types and frequency of support. While economic help is more often given to women than to men, male households are more likely (for demographic and economic reasons) to include service providers than female-headed households. Elderly widows without children are the most likely to get inadequate assistance, since they often lack enough resources to attract dependents to look after them in their old age. In spite of the help they receive, economic insecurity, fostered by inflation, is a major and increasing problem for the Nigerian elderly.