Abstract:
It is no longer stories that the population is globally aging. The growing nu
mber of
the ageing persons has posed a great challenge on families and policy makers to
provide for their health and daily needs. The study examines the characteristics of
ageing population in Dogon Dutse Community of Jos North Local Government Area,
Plate
au State. Random sampling technique was used to collect data from 50
respondents using questionnaires and were managed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS
20. The findings reveal that majority of the respondents were males, only 18 were
females. Most of them at
tended informal/Qur’anic education with haven attended
secondary school and fewer haven attended tertiary. It also reveals that the
respondents came from different places both within and outside Jos. It shows
religious significance, income levels, type of
housing and current health conditions of
the respondents. The study also reveals the challenges the ageing population are
facing with some having been harassed and some discriminated against for their age.
It also provides suggestions on elderly contributi
ons and how the ageing population
can be best cared for. Chi
-
square was used to test the significance of the study. The
study recommends good food/balanced diet, care, family support and community
participation for the elderly will be a good way in looking
after the ageing. Places of
worship, NGOs and the government should help in providing for the old.
