FAMILY DYNAMICS AND PATTERN OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS AMONGST THE ELDERLY

ABSTRACT

This study set out to family dynamics and pattern of nutritional status amongst the elderly family dynamics and pattern of nutritional status amongst the elderly in Oredo Local government area of Edo State. The specific objectives were to find out the To determine how the level of family functioning will lead to better nutritional status among the elderly in Oredo Local government area of Edo State.To determine if level of perceived family support will lead to better nutritional status among the elderly in Oredo Local government area of Edo State. To determine if sociodemographic variables of family dynamics affect the nutritional status of elders in Oredo Local government area of Edo State. To determine the correlation between family functioning, perceived family support and nutritional status of the elderly in Oredo Local government area of Edo State. The study was guided by the social impact theory. Social impact is simply refers to as changes in physiological states and subjective feelings, motives and emotions, cognitions and beliefs, values and behaviour that takes place in the internal system of an individual because of the effect of the real, implied or imagined presence or actions of other individuals. Data were collected through survey method and also a one-time survey method, with use of questionnaires. The recommendations were (i) the government include a portion for the elderly in the national budget and establish formal social support homes rather than rely on informal homes alone (family), which are already declining in recent times. (ii) All physicians should be trained on the importance of family dynamics especially on the socio-demographic variables in elderly care since marital status, education, occupation and number of children are significantly associated with nutritional status of elders. (iii).The government should also make the nursing home compulsorily established in all states of the federation, as this will ensure good nutritional status for the elderly in Nigeria.