PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING OF THE ELDERLY PERSONS

Aging is a developmental issue just like any other stage of human life-span. Everyone is expected to grow old except sudden death occurs. Therefore, as aging manifests, one is not expected to be strong and agile as before. Due to such changes, one may grow old with a lot of worries, tension, distress and stress. This study investigated relationship between social support and psychological well-being among the elderly persons in terms of their age, marital status and their income in Oyo State. Stratified probability sampling was employed to obtain representative of retirees totaling 330 samples. Perceived Social Support (r = 0.86) and Adapted Oxford Happiness (r = 0.91) scales were used to collect data. The inferential statistics of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to analyse the data. There was a significant difference in the perceived social support and psychological well-being of older persons on the basis of age {F(3,326) = 8.976}. Also, significant difference was established in the perceived social support and the psychological well-being of the elderly persons on the basis of marital status {F(2,327) = 10.254} and, a significant difference was confirmed in the perceived social support of the elderly persons on the basis of educational level {F(3,326) = 7.653}. Pathways were recommended for experts in home management, home economics, policy makers and researchers to support the elderly persons whose health conditions are fragile.