ABUSE AND ABANDONEMENT OF THE ELDERLY IN EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA
Abstract
The known family support systems for the elderly are dwindling in many communities of Ebonyi State of Nigerian. This is because of high level of poverty and other socio-cultural factors which has heightening the abandonment and abuse of the elderly by children and extended families. This study explored a situation where children have migrated to urban areas in search of better lives and abandoned their parents, only to return for their burial when they are dead; those children experiencing difficulties in certain areas of lives are being brainwashed that their parents are responsible for their misfortunes; and that their inability to move out to defecate is attributed to their wickedness and anger from the gods. Abuse and abandonment becomes a solution to hasten their deaths. This study focused in Ezza-North LGA, Ebonyi State. Qualitative research methods were employed to reach 100 respondents. Findings showed that: Some elders, especially men have died alone in their rooms because no one really cared about them. Some female widows have been sent home by their sons and inherited what she has acquired while vibrant. Implementable policies should be made to better the lots of the elderly in Umuezeoka community.
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