You have no items in your shopping cart.
ABSTRACT
The study investigated the coping strategies and quality of life of the elderly in selected communities in Akoko -Edo Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. The objective of this study was to investigate and highlight the coping strategies and quality of life of the elderly in selected communities in Akoko -Edo Local Government Area, Edo State. The research questions asked to achieve the objective of the study were as follows; what is the quality of life of the elderly living in Akoko - Edo LGA, what are the different coping strategies used by the elderly in Akoko -Edo LGA and what are the effect of some coping strategies and how it affects the quality of life of the elderly living in Akoko - Edo LGA. The sample size was 360 participants chosen from the study population using the Proportionate Stratified Random Sampling, the research instrument utilized was the questionnaire. Conclusion drawn from the analysis of the data retrieved from the questionnaire indicates that the elder adult represent a particularly vulnerable population, considering they face important changes that represent a challenge and require an important set of adaptation skills. Factors such as diseases can impact key elements of development, being one of them the Quality of Life. In this research, we found that the elderly referred important alterations in areas such as material wellbeing, interpersonal relationships and physical wellbeing. We conclude it is important to explore this result in future research and develop interventions that promote the appropriation of skills that allow this population to reach a better stay of wellbeing and health. The Coping Strategies function as a mediator of the impact that life events have in the Quality of Life. It is probable that there is an association between having a safe space to express emotions and a better QOL, maybe because it could favor the accessibility to social support. It is necessary to develop more applied research that provides the necessary skills to cope with the everyday problems in a more effective and adaptive manner. Recommendations were made based on the findings and they include: The government should look into creating homes and relaxation centers for the elderly with games and fun activities available, also the government should improve the access of the elderly to health care and social worker should be properly trained on caring for the elderly. With all these the overall quality of life of the elderly is expected to improve drastically, which will in turn improve their health.
