Health Seeking Behaviours of the Aged Population in Nigeria
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Keywords:
Aged population, ageing, health, health-seeking behaviour, old age, older peopleAbstract
The health problems, either illnesses or losses, facing the world's ageing population continue to
multiply even though they are against the wishes and best interests of the people. Acute illness comes
with many problems, and it may be necessary to keep one's emotions, self-image, abilities, and
relationships in shape while dealing with the disease. The tendency of older people to seek medical attention is one of the most significant factors that play a role in the severity of the condition. Thus, this paper assessed older people's health-seeking behaviours (HSB) by focusing on the factors that facilitate and delay access to healthcare needs to ameliorate the severity of health challenges for optimal social functioning. The paper employs analytical methods and collates data from various scholarly works on
the internet. It was discovered that factors that significantly affect HSB among the aged include the types of health facilities, the distance to the nearest health facility, ignorance of disease, poverty, poor attitudes of health workers, lengthy treatment process, religion, marital status, and lack of support. It was also established that physical, socio-economic, cultural, and even political factors could all play a role in influencing an individual's health behaviour. Similarly, the utilisation of a health care system is
contingent on the levels of education, economic factors, cultural beliefs and practice, environment, knowledge about the facilities, gender issues, the political climate, and the health care system itself. This paper concludes that age-related health crises affect older people's HSB, particularly their wellbeing, social interactions, decision-making, and self-control. Therefore, it is recommended that older people should seek more information about their health and exercise daily to stay energetic, independent, and happy; maintain a healthy lifestyle; and prioritise preventative health behaviours by becoming immunised for health emergencies.
