Young people literally have their whole life ahead of them. Despite being told to enjoy our youth and enjoy the ride, most of us wanted to grow up quickly because being older seemed more fun. After all, who didn’t want to be those cool older kids? Getting older seemed exciting and the privileges associated with coming of age are usually more than welcomed. For example, in the United States, turning 16 is a highly celebrated and anticipated age marked by being able to get a driver’s permit. Then there is 18, the year one becomes a legal adult, can vote and in some cases enters into the exciting, new world of college. Turning 21, is the age that allows many young adults to drink legally and in some states even rent a car. If one looks at it this way, getting older doesn’t seem half as bad, especially when it comes with new found freedoms that one didn’t have before.
So why do many societies value being young over being old? For many, getting older means a decline in physical and mental health. It also includes, unemployment, loss of status, power, finances and maybe even poverty. For elderly people in third world countries, such as Nigeria, becoming older is extremely taxing. Old age is associated with a lower quality of life, especially if you are already poor. Quality of life, which entails physical, social, psychological and environmental aspects of one’s life, are particularly affected by one’s socioeconomic status. The quality of life lead by the elderly in Nigeria are also affected by their gender, health, social network and social support prior to and during old age.
Older persons in developing countries, like Nigeria, need many political and social changes to be made in order for their quality of life to be improved. Elders of low socioeconomic status and living under poverty tend to be malnourished, in poor health and lack access and funds to decent hospitals. Having less family and friends nearby also significantly lowers their quality of life. Living in areas where sanitation, safety and access to necessities is difficult to attain can also affect the nutrition, health and the overall quality of life experienced by many elders.
Women in Nigeria are especially affected by old age. Nigeria, at large, is a patriarchal society, with many traditions and customs that reinforce the value of men and negate women. As part of custom, assets such as property and money, are passed down from the husband, who is seen as the head of the family, to his children. This leaves many women dependent on her husband and if widowed, her children for money and support.
Similar to how being old and black in the United States is seen as a double jeopardy, being old, poor and living in a poor country is a triple jeopardy. Many changes need to be ensured to make sure that our elders are given the quality of life that they deserve.
References:
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