Subjective Wellbeing of Community Dwelling Older Adults in Nigeria

Previous comparative international studies on wellbeing of older adults in Africa have presented figures based on indicators which tend to obscure the variations in terms of wellbeing among the older adults in a particular country. This paper examined the subjective dimension of quality of life of community dwelling elders in Nigeria. It identified factors related to different levels of subjective wellbeing in different parts of the country and among different socio-economic groups. Data for the paper were drawn from a national study on vulnerability of older adults in Nigeria. A sample of 3,696 older adults (55.6% males; 44.4% females; mean age = 69.2, SD = 8.60) was selected through multi-stage systematic random sampling, using the national census enumeration area framework. Data were collected using structured interviews via Open Data Kit (ODK). Subjective Wellbeing was measured using the Flourishing Scale. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed resilience as the main predictor for older adults’ subjective wellbeing. Other significant predictors included perceived attitudes towards old age in the respondents’ community, ability to meet daily financial needs, independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADL), membership in social and religious groups and location, whether rural, peri-urban or urban. The findings of the study make significant contributions to the existing literature on older adults’ wellbeing in Nigeria and provide material for future regional and international comparisons on the subject. The findings also provide data that can be utilized for policies and programme interventions that will be in alignment with the older adults’ perceived needs.