Peer-reviewed article
Perceptions of Healthy Aging Among Community-Dwelling Older Persons in an Urban Slum in Ibadan, Nigeria
Omobowale O ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This qualitative study explores how older adults aged 60 and above in an urban slum in Nigeria understand and perceive healthy aging. Researchers conducted 24 in-depth interviews and found that older persons view healthy aging primarily as physical strength and independence in daily activities. The study identifies four dimensions older persons associate with healthy aging: biological (healthy habits), psychological (optimism), spiritual (faith), and social (family support).
Key points
- Older persons primarily define healthy aging as being strong and able to move around independently
- Four key dimensions of healthy aging identified: biological, psychological, spiritual, and social/family support
- Older persons emphasized self-responsibility for adopting healthy behaviors
- Faith, religiosity, and family relationships were seen as important to healthy aging
- Study was conducted in an urban slum setting with limited resources
Limitations
This study focuses on perceptions and definitions of healthy aging among adults aged 60+, not on child well-being or the well-being of younger populations. The findings cannot inform interventions or outcomes specifically related to children's survival, development, protection, or participation.
Abstract
Abstract Background: Healthy Ageing is the process of the development and maintenance of functional capacity which allows well-being at an older age. This understanding is comprehensive and relevant for all older persons. Despite the global attention being given to healthy ageing, there is limited information on the perceptions of this concept among older persons in low resource settings like Nigeria, hence the need for this study. Methods: In depth interviews were conducted among older persons aged 60 years and above residing in Idikan Community, an urban slum area in Ibadan, Nigeria. Using an interview guide, perceptions of older persons on meanings of healthy ageing, factors related to healthy ageing and experience of ageing were explored. Results: A total number of 24 interviews were conducted. Slightly more than half of the respondents were females. The majority of the respondents were of the opinion that healthy ageing is about being “ strong” and able to move around, without being dependent on anyone for mobility and activities of daily living. In their opinion, healthy ageing is related to different health dimensions: biological (adoption of healthy habits and behaviors with self-responsibility, psychological (feelings of optimism and happiness), spiritual (faith and religiosity) and family and social support (healthy and well children, friends and family). Conclusion: Urban Community dwelling older persons’ perception of healthy ageing was positive and incorporating their opinions on healthy aging from the perspective of the older persons can support the activities of professionals who work with this population group.