ABSTRACT
This study investigated the psychosocial needs of the elderly in ekosodin community, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State. Four research questions were raised to act as a guide to the study. The questions bothered on the social support programmes available to the elderly, the importance of the Aged (elderly), the psychosocial challenges encountered by elderly and the possible solution to address the problem of the elderly in ekosodin Community in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State.
A descriptive survey research design was employed in carrying out the study. The target population for the study includes all the elderly people aged 60 years and above, both males and females which was estimated six thousand nine hindered and fifty nine (6959) according to United Nations, (2005) 5% of the total population. An instrument titled “psychosocial needs of the elderly in ekosodin community.” was used for data collection. The collected data were analysed using simple percentage, mean and standard deviation.
The findings revealed that There are no or low social support programme available to the elderly in ekosodin community, Ovia North East Local Government area of Edo State. It was also noted that the elderly in ekosodin community in ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State is of importance. Based on the study it was concluded that the elderly in ekosodin is of a great importance to the community, most especially in the aspect of their cultural values and history telling story. In line with the findings, the following recommendations were made: that the government should renovate the health center in ekosodin community and employ more able hands to take care of the elderly in the community. Also, the elderly in ekosodin community should improve in the aspect of advising the younger generation in the community by set up a body to advise them from time to time.
