ASSESSMENT of Determinants of Healthy Ageing Amongst the RURAL Elderly IN NORTHEASTERN Nigeria

Ageing is an inevitable, natural process that comes with its concomitant health problems which need to be addressed because healthy ageing is necessary for economic and national growth and development. Healthy ageing is a lifelong process optimizing opportunities for improving and preserving health and physical, social and mental wellness, independence, quality of life and enhancing successful life-course transition. In sub Saharan African, it is estimated that the number of elderly persons will rise from about 37.1 million in 2005 to 155.4 million in 2050.The elderly population in Nigeria is estimated at 4 percent and is expected to triple by the year 2020.The increasing number of the older population will increase the burden on the health resources. The objective of this study is to evaluate the determinants of healthy ageing among rural elderly in northern Nigeria in order to promote those that have positive correlation with healthy aging. A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted among 1600 rural elderly aged >60 yrs using interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire between June to July, 2011. Majority 53.8% are 60-64yrs, 24.6% > 69yrs, 72.4% males, most are Muslims 85.6%, 81.4% still married. Mostly farmers 48.9%, 73.6% have no formal education. 85.3% earn less than $100 monthly while 47.6% have no income. 93.4% do not take alcohol, 91.8% do not smoke and 89.8% are physically active. 82.7% have normal blood pressure, 87.9% normal blood glucose level. Diet, no alcohol consumption, no smoking, high physical activity and adequate sleep are positively correlated with healthy aging (p<0.05).