Coping Mechanisms of Older Persons with Emigrant Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria

This study identifies the coping mechanisms developed by left-behin d older parents during the COVID-19 pandemic in southeast Nigeria. The study also highlights the challenges experienced by these individuals. Qualitative data was collected from 58 older parents who were 60 years or older, and with international migrant children using in-depth interview and focus gr oup discussion guides. Thematic analysis was then used to analyze the generated data. According to the study’s results, left-behind older parents adopted several strategies such as Information Communication Technology devices and new media, faith-based activities, and electronic games, to adapt to their experiences of emotional stress, physical health challenges, and financial challenges. To achieve the United Nations agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the 2063 African Union Agenda, there is a need to strengthen systems, including family and the community that support Nigerian old er adults. Also, the implementation of an ageing policy becomes imperative to ensure the protection of Nigerian older adults, especially the ‘left behind’, and to buffer further challenges during the pandemic.
Source: Journal of Population Ageing - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research