An Assessment of the Socio-Economic Challenges of the Aged

AN ASSESSMENT OF THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHALLENGES OF THE AGED IN MAKURDI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BENUE STATE. BY JACOB YOL 08123463845 MARCH, 2014   TABLE OF CONTENT Title Page…………………………………………………………………. i Table of Contents………………..…………………………………… ..ii List of Tables…………………...………………………………………. iii Abstract…………………………………………………………………. iv CHAPTER ONE: Introduction 1.1 Background of the Study…………………………………….…. 1 1.2 Statement of the Research Problem……………………..….. 3 1.3 Research Questions………………………………………...…… 4 1.4 Objective of the Study…………………………………….…….. 5 1.5 Significance of the Study…………………………….…………. 5 1.6 Scope of the Study……………………………………….……….. 6 1.7 Definition of Terms……………………………………….………. 7 CHAPTER TWO: Literature Review 2.1 Introduction………………………………………………………… 8 2.2 The Concept of Aging…………….………………………..……. 8 2.3 Factors that Facilitate Aging.…………………………….…… 11 2.4 Importance of the Aged in the Society…………...……….... 15 2.5 The Socio-economic Challenges of the Aged..………….. …18 2.6 Efforts Towards Combating the Socio-economic Challenges of the Aged……………………………………………………………… 23 2.7 Theoretical Framework………………………….……………. 26 2.7.1 Conflict Theory……………….……………………………….…27 2.7.2 Modernization Theory……..…………..……..……………… 28 CHAPTER THREE: Methodology 3.1 Introduction…………………………………………………….. 34 3.2 Study Area………………………………………………………. 34 3.3 Sampling Technique……………………..……..………….… 37 3.4 Instrument of Data Collection…….……………………….. 39 3.5 Method of Data Analysis…..………………………………... 39 CHAPTER FOUR: Data Presentation and Analysis 4.0 Introduction……………..……………………………………… 41 4.1 Socio-Demographic Data of Respondents………………... 34 4.2 The Socio-economic Challenge of the Aged..…………….. 46 4.3 Discussion of Findings…………………..…………………... 49 CHAPTER FIVE: Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations 5.1 Introduction……………………………………………………… 52 5.2 Summary…………………………………………………………. 52 5.3 Conclusion……………………………………………………….. 53 5.4 Recommendation……………………………………………….. 54   LIST OF TABLES Table 4.1: Sex Distribution of Respondents Table 4.2: Marital Status of Respondents Table 4.3: Age Distribution of Respondents Table 4.4: Educational Distribution of Respondents Table 4.5: Occupation of Respondents Table 4.6: Religious Distribution of Respondents Table 4.7: Respondents View on the Social Challenges of the Aged Table 4.8: Respondents View on the Economic Challenges of The Aged   ABSTRACT This research is set to assess the socio-economic challenges of the aged in Makurdi metropolis of Benue State. The major objectives of the study include; to assess the socio-economic challenges of the aged in Makurdi town as well as to suggest ways of solving the problems of the aged in the society. The study employed descriptive survey design and data was collected using questionnaires and interview methods. Questionnaires were distributed to a total sample of 120 respondents which were selected for the study using random sampling technique. The findings show’s that discrimination of the aged is the major socio-economic challenge facing the aged in Makurdi metropolis. The study also revealed that, there are many other economic challenges of the aged which include high standard of living, unemployment and high rate of inflation. It is therefore, recommended that, awareness campaigns and sensitization programs about the importance of the knowledge of the aged which is vital for societal development. Since they are the custodians of the customs and traditions in the society, moreso, there should be change in the attitude about the belief of the old people in the society, since there are misconceptions about the old in the society. In addition, the general society should have for a for the discussions on the importance of the old, such for a should emphasize on necessary policies and programs that will improve the lives of the old so as to enhance their maximum participation in the development and growth of the society. CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY The ideas of age and aging are often seen in biological and psychological terms. Birth, developing to physical maturity, aging and death are part of universal biological processes which affect all human beings. These processes are linked to the psychological development of individuals. The significance of aging is largely social. Although physical changes are associated with aging such as declining eyesight, greying hair, have little significance except as they relate to what is expected of people in the society (Robert, 1997). The phenomenon of aging can be fully understood through the lens of social context. Just as race and sex were once seen in purely biological/psychological terms but are now viewed sociologically through concepts such as ethnicity and gender, age can also be seen in sociological terms. From this perspective, age can be seen as part of social construction (Giddens, 2006). Old age varies from society to society. In some traditional societies, the elderly are revered for their wisdom and have high social status and considerable power. As Giddens (2006) points out, this has traditionally been the case in China and Japan. However, Giddens notes that in contemporary societies the elderly tend to be seen as non-productive, dependent people who are out of step with the times. On the other hand, youth is valued to such an extent that a fortune is spent on attempts by individuals to make themselves appear or feel younger (Giddens, 2006). Growing old therefore, affects everyone because nearly everyone has the potential to grow old and all the groups in which we live have older members. Aging has always been part of human life. The significance of aging is often defined socially. Aging not only affects what people are capable of doing but it also influences what they are expected to do, allowed to do or prohibited from doing (Robert, 1997). However, due to the variations in the meaning of age in different societies, Giddens argues that sociologists should analyse age from the social context rather than the chronological or biological age. By social context, he means the norms, values and roles that are culturally associated with a particular chronological age. The idea of social age differs from one society to another (Giddens, 2006). Age is not just of sociological importance because its meaning varies from society to society, but also because it is an aspect of social stratification. The status and power of the elderly vary between societies. However, all types of inequality can be shaped by age. John (2006) notes that the roles and norms that society allocates to age groups creates barriers and opportunities. These barriers and opportunities affect the status, power, wealth and income enjoyed by different age groups in each society. It is from the foregoing that the researcher intends to carry out a study in order to unravel the socioeconomic challenges faced by the old (aged) in the society with emphasis on Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, with a view of according some possible recommendations in order to improve on the lives of the old people in the society. 1.2 Statement of Research Problem The phenomenon of aging and its socioeconomic challenges has widened the gap between the youth, adult and the old (aged) people in the families and society at large. The discrimination and neglecting against the aged has become a tremendous social problem in the society. The issue of age therefore is a complex phenomenon, this is because, a person’s age constantly undergoes changes which affects the person’s roles in the society, thereby affecting the person’s social and economic life. It is in the light of the above that the researcher deemed it pertinent to undertake a study on the socioeconomic challenges of the aged, with a view of suggesting appropriate measures to forestall the socioeconomic challenges faced by the aged in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State and beyond. 1.3 Research Questions The study intends to investigate and proffer solutions to the following questions: i. What are the social challenges of the aged? ii. What are the economic challenges of the aged in the society? iii. What are the possible ways of addressing the socioeconomic problems of the aged? 1.4 Objectives of the Study The general objective of this study is to examine the socio-economic challenges of the aged in the society with particular reference to Makurdi local government area of Benue State. Other specific objectives include; i. To examine the social challenges of the aged is the society. ii. To assess the economic challenges of the aged in the society. iii. To proffer possible solutions and recommendations that would help reduce drastically the socio-economic challenges of the aged in the society. 1.5 Significance of the Study The content or information gathered in this study will serve as a reservoir of knowledge for researchers within similar field of study, that is, it will contribute to already existing literature and it will enable the society to know more about the socio-economic challenges of the aged in the society. Also, the study will help the general populace in knowing the news and perceptions of the government functionaries and they will help in proffering solutions to the socio-economic challenges of the aged in the society. Furthermore, policy makers and formulation will find the study relevant in formulating policies and programmes that will help improve the socio-economic conditions of the aged in the society in order to empower the aged to be functional in the society. Finally, the study will open up another area of research in sociology where other scholars can take off from i.e social gerontology which is the scientific study of the aged in the society. 1.6 Scope of the Study The study set out to investigate the socio-economic challenges of the aged in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State. However, since not all localities in Benue State are accessible to this research and also time factor, Makurdi Local Government Area shall be the specific area to be studied. The study covers the period when there was a shift from agrarian to industrialization (i.e. modernity) when white collar job became fully operational in Nigeria since independence that is 1960 to 2013. 1.7 Definition of Terms Aging: Aging have been seen as a developmental and continuous process of change in the individual from conception to death, Oluwabamide (2002) defined aging as a process of biological, psychological and social process that affect people as they grow older. Atchley (1980) sees aging as that which includes physical changes that occur in our body over adult life. Social Challenges: Social challenges can be understood as nothing but the state of social disequilibrium in which the smooth functioning of various parts of society gets disturbed. According to Aurkheim (1959) social challenges refers to a state of disequilibrium and a lack of social solidarity or consensus among the members of a society. Economic Challenges: Economic challenges can be seen as inequality that exists in the course of economic productions, it is also referred to as the disequilibrium that exists in the distribution of material resources. When the economic resources fail to go round equitably then economic challenges is said to have been taken place (Smelser, 1999).   CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 INTRODUCTION In this chapter, various views held by some scholars relating to the study will be reviewed. Among the areas to be reviewed include the clarification of the concept of aging; factors that facilitate aging, the importance of the aged will also be reviewed. Most importantly, the socio-economic challenges faced by the aged in the society will be vigorously reviewed and efforts towards combating these challenges will also be explained. Theoretical framework relating to the study will be examined. 2.2 THE CONCEPT OF AGING The process of aging is complex and includes biological, psychological, sociological and behavioural changes. Aging have been seen as a developmental and continuous process of change in the individual from conception to death. Oluwabamide (2002) defined aging as a process of biological, psychological and social process that affect people, as they grow older. Biologically, the body gradually loses the ability to renew itself. Various body functions begin to slow down and the vital senses become less acute. Psychologically, aging persons experience changing sensory processes: perception, motor skills, problem-solving ability, drives and emotions are frequently altered. Sociologically, they must cope with the changing roles and definitions of self that society imposes on the individual. For instance, the role expectations and the status of grand parents are different from those of parents and the roles of the retired are quite different from those of the employed. Being defined as ‘old’ may be desirable or undesirable, depending on the particular culture and values. Behaviourally, aging individuals may move slower and with dexterity. Because they are assuming new roles and are viewed differently by others, their attitude about themselves, their emotions and ultimately their behaviours can be expected to change. An individual’s age therefore is important only because it provides clues to his or her behaviour at a particular phase of the life cycle, be it childhood, adolescence, adulthood, middle age or old age. Atchley (1985) also see aging as that which includes physical changes that occur in our body over adult life. Psychological changes in our minds and mental capabilities and social changes in how we are viewed, what we can expect. From the above definition, aging involves three aspect i.e. physical, biological, psychological and social/cultural aspect. Physical aspect here is seen in terms of body posture, hair colour, voice and ability to see and hear. Mobito (2002) noted that, physical aging refers to body maturation or period obviously biological and psychological changes in the individual overtime. This refers to visible aspect of the physical aging process. Biological aspect indicates a person’s level of development and physical health. Human life consists of when it developed, matured and aging in which the person gradually diminished. Psychological aspect considers the process of aging. This refers to a development stage in the individual personality, the identity, the generative illness or death of a relation or close friend of the same age is likely to affect someone’s emotion and increase pain, it can be a social pain, psychological pain etc. The concern here is the individual aging perception of the process of mental relatives to the process. An examination of psychological passage to time in adulthood has shown that, some diminish in aging, some increase while some remain relatively constant. For example, the increasing aspect of reasoning, experience, constant aspect is that, some character of some people usually remains constant in them no matter their age, while the diminishing aspect is that sight diminishes as human/individual gets old, Social and cultural has been indicated that aging relate to experience in the course of life and the manner in which the person relate his aging to the society. Social aspect is also gagged by social roles. Aging therefore, is a broad concept that includes physical changes in our bodies, over adult life, psychological changes in our minds and mental capabilities, psychological changes in what we think and believe and social changes in how we are viewed, what we can expect and what is expected of us. Therefore, the aspect of aging this work shall adopt is the social aspect of aging, this aspect of aging is related to experience in the course of life and the manner in which the person relate his aging to the society. This entails whether in the course of aging, the person is faced with socio—economic challenges as a result of what the society expects of him/her or what he/she expects of the society. The social aspect of aging is therefore, the concern of this study. Although part of other aspect of aging will be considered. Aging has become a visible social problem that is why the social aspect is the basic concern of this study. 2.3 FACTORS THAT FACILITATES AGING The rate of aging varies from person to person; various social, bio-chemical, medical, economic, psychological, cultural and dietary factors tend to influence the rate of aging. Emphasis will be on the psycho-social, economic and biological reasons that influence our aging. Natural or Biological Factors: Chronologically, it is natural for on individual to be at 0 age or evolve at infancy grow from infancy to childhood, childhood to adulthood and adolescent to youthful age, adult age to old age. Old age therefore, is a natural phenomenon; it is a normal physiological process that is inevitable, aging process is biological i.e. from conception to death. Social Factors: Social status, social roles can cause an individual to age very fast. Denga (1993) observed that among the rural agrarian communities, particularly in Africa. Social and economic pressures may accelerate a child’s maturity because of the compelling need for him to assume adult responsibilities. Denga adds that a child who has start work early in order to serve as a financial tower of a poor family is thus raised into maturity and may start wearing the appearance of a full adult too soon. Chronologically, the child is still young but by acting out roles of an adult too early, the burdens of on adult may trigger the child info old age. Some forms of social participation may accelerate the aging process. Young people, who indulge heavily into bad habits like excessive alcoholism, unrestrained sexual activities, smoking and other social orgies, may run down their vitality, thus rendering them vitiated and emasculated rather early in life. The massive expenditure of body substance through reckless social activities may lead to premature aging. Economic Factor: An era of economic downturn may accelerate aging as people are over stretching themselves inordinately to unimaginable limits to make ends meet. Citizens who over work engage in over time in order to improve their economic standing tend to become rather spent, sick from time to time, depressed, weary and burnt-out. This however leads to aging by the individual. Economic austerity has a lot to do with inability to seek dependable medical care. Poor people generally look older than their actual age. This is because a lack of basic wants is capable of unleashing social, psychological and medical problems. These problems acting conjointly may accelerate aging (Denga, 1993). Psychological Factor: One of the effective ways of fighting the chronological age is to resolve to be young at heart. Some 60 years old person may deliberately and consciously decide to take things easy, to challenge their fate and too refuse to lie down in the face of serious trails, temptations and tribulations. Such people shun sadism. They perceive life as full of prospects, possibilities and promises. They exhibit an enormous sense of humour, they may be old but they behave like young people (Denga, 1993). One of the ways to grow old fast is to drift into sadism which manifest in wrinkles on the face and internal combustion in addition to a sole run, sober and melancholic look most of the time, feelings of anger, aggression, irritation, hate, rejection and detection on emotional over load. A protracted experience of these may accelerate aging. Physiological Factor: Lack of physical exercise may lead to over weight and a general lack of physical fitness, inactiveness tends to obstruct or hinder free circulation of blood from the heart. This can create opportunities for a heart related diseases and other physical disabilities. A young person who is idle or lazy or fails to exercise is likely to assume the look of a much older person. A healthy person is fit to combat aging and general degeneration than a lazy one. Dietary Habits: If people over indulge in eating food items that do not nourish the body. They stand a good chance of looking bad, aging faster and losing vitality. “Junk Food’ does not nourish the body. It makes a person vulnerable to diseases and consequently renders the body emasculated or vitiated. It is therefore, logical to state that an unbalanced or poor diet accelerates aging also alcoholic beverages affects the liver, which is the body powerhouse and renders it weak and diseased. In many cases, cancer of the liver is associated with alcoholism. A general deterioration of health can unleash several problems for the body including aging. Medical Factor: Good medical care can slow down aging process. Inadequate medical health couple with low standard of living in our society can make people vulnerable to various illnesses or diseased that accelerates the aging process. Children and adult are still faced with life shortening diseases such as kidney diseases, diabetes, mellitus, tuberculosis, pneumonia among many other diseases that tend to affect the people of Makurdi Local Government Area; these disease trigger aging among the people. It must also be reiterated that our social habits, dietary habits, physical bearing activities and physiological make-up may jointly trigger ill health quite capable of shortening our life span. Everything from income and diet to occupation and bad habits can move people off the average curve. This is because our poor and uninsured pollutions have only minimal health care and can easily succumb to diseases sooner than average. 2.4 IMPORTANCE OF THE AGED (ELDERLY) IN THE SOCIETY In traditional societies, the older people were accorded great respect, they usually have a final say over matters of importance in the community as a whole and even the family. The authority of the elderly often increase in age, the elderly plays significant cultural roles for the development of the society. Some of the roles include the following: The aged (elderly) plays advisory roles, they serve as advisers to the younger members of the family, the play these roles through counseling and guiding the younger ones, young people seek advices on marriage, burial, economy, coronations, political and economic issues. The elderly are mostly associated with evil acts. The main responsibility of the elderly is to maintain the welfare of all the people by mediating with the gods. Cottrell (1960) asserts that in traditional societies the elders are heads of families and communities who made decisions in all realms of life: economic, politics, religion and social. According to Cottrell, the power of the aged (elderly) men and occasionally aged (elderly) women in the agrarian system stemmed from their positions as heads of which in turn admitted them top the council of elders that ran the affairs of the community. Tradition was the main way that people decided issues in agrarian societies, which elders were ranked as keepers of knowledge and tradition, with these roles given to the elders by tradition as a result of their age, the serve as advisers to the families and the entire community. Furthermore, the elders (aged) perform integrating roles: they sustain social relationship at individual, family, group and societal level. They act as agents of socialization; they serve as conflict managers, through conflict management and resolution for example, in traditional African societies where there are always issues of land disputes, the elders play vital of integrating and resolving such land disputes and other communal crises Manman (1998). Hann (1966) maintained that, the elders play vital roles in politics. The political roles of the elderly are due to the knowledge and experience they are appointed or elected, exclusively to the people, they constitute an effective body in decision making. In addition, tradition was the main way that people decided issues in agrarian societies, which elders (aged) value as keepers of knowledge and tradition. Therefore, as a result of their long-lived experience they are mandated by tradition to play the political roles by making decisions on behalf of the communities. Another importance of the aged in the society is the transmission of skills to the young ones, most of the traditional craft such as blacksmithing, woodwork, basket weaving and cloth weaving (Denga, 1993). Therefore, the aged play the role of skills to the younger generation. Also, the aged served as intermediate between members of the family, communities and the supernatural, they serve as priest in traditional religion, and they help to appease the gods on issues affecting both communities the make sacrifices to the gods on behalf of the communities (Udoh, 2005). The aged therefore, play religious functions in the society. Oxpede (1998) observed that, the aged (elderly) preserve and maintain cultural values through socialization, they frown at attitudes that contra vain traditional norms. The aged serve as agents of socialization by inculcating in the young ones the norms and values of the society, this is also as a result of their long-lived experience and they acquire the knowledge from their fore fathers. The aged served as a social and moral background, this is as a result of their accumulated wisdom over the years, and they inculcate moral values and spiritual support to the young ones to fake after their footsteps when they have gone. Therefore, the importance of the aged in the society ranges from moral to spiritual support, although other aspects of supports also are involved that is, economic and social support (Cole, 1992). One community role that seems to be increasing in prevalence among the older people is that of mediator. In the past decades, many communities have come to realize that the peaceful resolution of interpersonal and inter group disputes is a major need. The mediation process involves bringing the disputing parties together, the aged play this role by resolving dispute between two conflicting parties. By so doing he/she (aged) help the two warring parties identify the underlying issues involved and generate solutions that will genuinely resolve the dispute. Therefore, the aged served as mediator in resolving issues in communities (Becker, 1994). 2.5 THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHALLENGES OF THE AGED (ELDERLY) In spite of the important roles played by the aged in ensuring stability in the society, the aged are faced with numerous challenges, this is as a result of the changes brought about by modernization. Modernization brought about changes in attitudes towards the elderly (aged) in the society. Growing older does not remove the importance of the social status characteristics, modernization has brought about changes in structure and social economic function of the family, the impact of modernization in the cultural roles privileges of the elderly cannot be over emphasized. However, there are numerous socioeconomic challenges faced by the aged in the society. The access to knowledge through western education has led to the reduction in the power and privileges given to the accumulated wisdom of the elderly, their knowledge and experience are seen as not directly relevant to the problems of the modern age. (Cowgill, 1972), maintained that rapid social change and child-centered education outside the family made obsolete much of the knowledge that had formerly been a foundation of esteem of elders. Furthermore, the direct linkage of educational attainment with occupational and income has altered the economic status of the elderly. This is because, for one to attain certain position in the country, you must be educated and economically buoyant. Therefore, western education has altered the change in economic status of the aged since, so much value is been attached to knowledge acquisition and white-collar jobs are more regarded than farming in the present day societies. Also the geographical mobility brought about by the white-collar jobs, has resulted into fractioning of the extended family system. This is why you find elderly people in the rural areas. The interdependency marked by extended family is been replaced by emphasis in the autonomy of nuclear family because of the effects of modernization; people don’t see the extended family as normal as these results to insults of the people considered to belong to the extended family. In a similar vein, the mutual obligations of the extended family system are systematically eroded by the increasing emphasis on material success and individuality. In the extended family it is the obligation of the extended to take care of others, but due to modernization people care about the aged (elderly) because they are not in the same family with them. This has resulted into individualism, which is mostly found in the nuclear family. As a result of this, younger adults who are urban based think less of caring for the elderly who are not their direct parents. Old age minimize a person’s social and economic opportunities. It has been pointed out that old age may bring out social isolation. A decline in the physical energy may cause economic activities to diminish since an old person cannot actively pursue economic activities with the same resilience that a young person can do. For example, some 60 years old persons may be intellectual authors of many economic ideas, but they may lack the energy and vigour to pursue these ideas physically. It is thus disturbing when one’s spirit is very much willing to pursue activities but one’s body is rather weak to change. Denga et al (2005). Denga et al (2005) asserts that, old age used to be a thing of joy in Africa sub-cultures. An old man used to lightly respect and obeyed almost like God, he was almost always surrounded by his grand children and other people within his community who would always take presents to him and also problems for him to use his fountain wisdom to resolve. His gray hair was revered and cherished by young men. Things are different now, old people are in many cases isolated, considered to be a burden and in some cases a source of witchcraft. The Nigerian society has become so youth oriented that the aged has lost its fascination. The increasing urbanization and emphasis on the nuclear family set-up have worsened the issue of isolation. The aged fit the context of rural environment more than the urban environment where the way of life and the nature of environment offer little familiarity to the aged by their children who espouse nuclear family set-up like Christmas, Easter and Burial occasion. The aged therefore, tend to be burnished to the rural areas unless of course that the extended family around them may at times help reduce the effect of isolation. In selecting employees in an age of technology manager is always faced with the problem of screening applicants so that only those who stand a reasonable chance of filling the bill will be seriously considered. The theory of aging has inevitable decline its damage by identifying older workers as a category that justifiably could be ruled out for hiring and singled out for firing and lay off. The aged are discriminated against in highly sophisticated areas of industrial technology, this is as a result of their decline in their sensitive organs like eyesight, hearing, physical strength etc. which make them incapacitated (Haber, 1983). The aged are faced with numerous challenges, one of such is as a result of high rate of inflation and high cost of living which has handicapped willing members from caring for the old people this is because, the huge finance that is needed for catering for the aged. the ways by which the aged are cared, care include; good health care delivery, taking them to rehabilitation centres for care and counseling, this involves professional social workers, however, the finance that is needed for care for the aged through these medium is high thereby making it difficult for adult members of the society to care for the aged (old). In a nutshell, high cost of living affects the proper care for the aged in the society (Denga, 2005). Psychologically, the aged get scared because of a possible isolation from young people. Some rough youths often make feelings hurt by talking about age and calling old people names, denigrating them whenever disagreements occur between them. The loss of self- esteem and personal ego comes in. The feeling of self-worth and sense of belonging begin to erode. Also, the feeling of nostalgia comes in when an aging person remembers what great things he used to do with his youth. The sense of psychological loss tends to exacerbate the fear of getting old. There is a need for counseling those who dread the psychological loss through aging (Denga et al., 2005). The aged are physically weak generally. The physical strength of a 50 years old person is relatively less than the person’s physical; strength when he was 30 or 40 years old. The decline in physical energy becomes critical when the tasks requiring physical stamina are to be performed. For example a farmer who engaged in farming activities when he was 40 cannot do the same at the age of 65. This is because the feeling is always nostalgic. It is clear therefore, that aging separates people from what used to be cherished during their youth. By and large, the aged (elderly) performed some numerous roles to ensure continuity and stability of the society through socialization of the young ones and serving as a societal heads in terms of decision making. Inspite of their contribution they are faced with numerous challenges which make them incapacitated and this has some socioeconomic and cultural implications on the aged such that, increasing member of the people now see old age as an age increasing tension and insecurity e.g. discrimination, lack of institutional social security and arrangement has subjected the elderly to difficult existence or living. Also, the neglect or reduction in respect for the elderly is cutting them off in participating in important activities in the society such as settlement of land dispute, which would have been as a result of long- lived experience. The aged (elderly) therefore, are faced with a lot of socio-economic and cultural challenges inspite of their contribution to the society, these challenges leads to serious implication to the aged and the society at large. 2.6 EFFORTS TOWARDS COMBATING THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHALLENGES OF THE AGED As earlier noted, the aged (elderly) have over time borne the brunt of challenges that make them incapacitated and dysfunctional in the society, this challenges cuts across, social, economic, physical and cultural lines. This challenges being recognized as an ill in the society has received attention from different quarters and efforts has been put in place to combat and improve these challenges. Bansell (1956) asserts that, good health is a major factor enabling people to enjoy life. Older people are not seriously limited by illness or disability. But aging does not increase the proportion of people who have chronic disease that require effective management. Adequate health care can enable older people to maintain good health and avoid worsening health. Preventive health care can reduce the probability of chronic and disability; treatment can often reverse negative effects of chronic disease and rehabilitation can help people restore lost functions. Therefore, through good health care, the conditions of the aged can be improved to make them functional to meet the modern day challenges such as the socio-economic and cultural challenges. Another effort towards combating the challenges of the aged is by “long- term care”. This is the provision of ongoing assistance to people with chronic illness or disabilities in a wide variety of settings by a wide variety of types of caregivers. Some of this assistance may require health care and may be provided in nursing homes. But most long-term care consists of personal care provided in the persons independent household, most often by family members. The aged are those who are weak physically and incapacitated, therefore they need long-term care to keep them going. This long-term are mostly provided by family members, family members are a major source of personal care for older people (Robin and Stockton, 1987). At the international level, several programmes have been put in place to improve the socio-economic conditions of the aged to make them functional and useful to the society, such as Elderly Abuse Program”. This program is aimed at fighting against the abuse of elders (aged) by improving the conditions of the aged by educating them, through guidance and counselling to meet up the modern day challenges. For example, the 1973 United Nations comprehensive senile created a new community organization. The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) along with significant increases in federal funds for local programmes for the aged (elderly), such programmes like counseling units, hospital programmes, educational programmes to improve the level of the aged. At the National level too, (Nigeria) there have been much efforts towards combating the socio-economic challenges of the aged. The Nigerian government, individuals and cooperate organization such as social work organization, have come to understanding the intricacies of the socio-economic challenges of the aged and as such have rationalized efforts towards combating it. This effort takes the form of creation of awareness in caring for the aged through seriousness and workshops and educating the aged to meet the modern day challenges. All these have been some of the efforts made towards combating the socio-economic challenges faced by the aged in Makurdi Local Government of Benue State and the society at large. At the State level, (Benue State), there have been efforts towards combating the socio-economic challenges of the aged here, in Benue State; the efforts towards combating this menace have been through seminars and workshops where papers are often presented about the challenges of the aged in the society. The State government also has been a major partner in try to curb this menace by providing relaxation centers, counseling units and long retirement age to improve their economic conditions. Despite all these efforts towards combating the socio-economic challenges of the aged in the State and the society at large, it still lingers. The failure of these efforts to ensure stability and victory for the aged in the state is been characterized by lack of commitment from various quarters. Laws that have been made to protect humans (aged) (is not an exception) are hardly implemented. According to Ada (2002), the ministry of social work which was created to better the lots of the aged and other weaker sex (women and children) is capable of executing its mandate and consequently, it has been reacting to incidents of abuse meted out to the aged rather than taking concrete steps towards stopping such discriminatory and abusive practices. Another factor as to why this phenomenon still lingers is that, the resources for the programmes to be executed for the benefits of the aged are hijacked by petit bourgeoisie who head those programmes. For the conditions of the aged to be improved, the stakeholders should be committed, transparent and sincere in their efforts towards combating the socio-economic challenges of the aged in the state and the society at large. This involves the efforts of both the state, federal and cooperate bodies. 2.7 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK In analyzing any phenomenon, there is always a theoretical framework used in explaining that phenomenon. The study attempts to give overview of key theories, that is conflict theory and modernization theory in which, one provides a better explanatory values to the socioeconomic challenges of the aged in the society. CONFLICT THEORY This theory has its origin form the works of Karl Marx, which takes the orientation of dialectical materialism. According to Karl Marx, man is an exclusive being that is born and developed in the society. He is socialized based on the complex series of interaction and relationship, which help pattern his perception of events and consciousness. Conflict theory has the major assumption that there ore groups in the society that have different interest. In this respect, the theory believes social arrangements tend to benefit some groups at the expense of others. Because of the existence of different groups with different interest, the political and likelihood of conflict is always present. Thus, the privilege position of the upper class generally leads to better health and vigour and to less likelihood of dependency in old age. Affluence cannot forestall aging indefinitely, but it can soften the economic hardship faced by later years. By contrast, working- class jobs often carry greater hazards to health and a greater risk of disability. Aging will be particularly difficult for those who suffer job related injuries or illness. Working-class people also depend more heavily on social security benefits and private pension programmes. During inflationary times, their relatively fixed incomes from these sources hardly keep pace with escalating cost of food, housing utilities and other necessities (Atchley, 1985). Conflict theorists have noted that, the transition from agricultural economies to industrialization and capitalism has always been beneficial for the elderly (aged). As a society’s production method change, the traditionally valued role of older people within the economy tends to erode. Although pension plans retirement pack ages and insurance benefits may be developed to assist older people. Those whose wealth allows them to access to investment fund can generate the greatest income for their later years, thereby, meeting-up the socio-economic challenges of the aged in the present day society (Dow, 1980; 75, Hendrick, 1982; Olson, 1982). The conflict approach views the treatment of older people in the society from a conflict perspective; the low status of older people is reflected in prejudice and discrimination against them, age segregation and unfair job practices. MODERNIZATION THEORY In the context to modernization theory, modernization does not mean merely the evolution of contemporary or present day society, it refers instead to a socio-cultural shift which began in the later part of the 1700s and which brought new ways of thinking about how best to pursue material progress in the form of more and better goods and a higher general level of living. The central thesis of modernization theory is that the processes that caused societies to evolve from rural and agrarian social and economic system to urban and industrial ones also caused change in the positions that older people occupy in the society and the esteem afforded to them both individually and as members of a social category. The direction of change is assumed to be for the worse (Haber and Gratfon, 1992) Anthropologist L. Simmons (1945) was probably one of the first researchers to address the issues of modernization effect on older people. Based on a cross cultural study of seventy one societies, he concluded that in relatively stable agricultural societies, elders usually occupy positions of favour and power, mainly because of the concept of seniority rights. But when the rate of change increases, Simmons said, older people lose other advantaged status. From the above discussion, modernization theory was adopted for the study. This is because; it best explains the socio-economic challenges of the aged in the society. Modernization brought about changes in attitudes towards the elderly in Africa; there is a complex relationship between aging and society. The social status of older people with a particular society as well as the cultural values, hence changes in economic, political and cultural values can affect the socio-economic status and characteristics of the elderly. However, the impact of modernization in the cultural roles and privileges of the aged are numerous; one of such is the access to knowledge through western education has led to a reduction in the power and privileges given to their accumulated wisdom of the elderly. Their knowledge and experience are seen as not directly relevant to the problems of the modern age because of the changes in the socio-economic aspect of the society in the socio-economic aspect of the society i.e. shift from tradition to modernity. Furthermore, when the rate of changes increases older people lose their advantage status. It is against this background that modernization theory best explains the socio-economic challenges of the aged in the society, following the shift from agrarian society to complex modern society. FUNCTIONALIST PERSPECTIVE ON AGE A functionalist perspective on age is provided by the work of Talcott Parsons (1954, first published 1942). As in other areas, Parsons related age differences to the overall functioning of the social system. He believed that differences in the social roles associated with age groups were vital for the smooth functioning of society. However, he did accept that in US society there can be tensions between age groups. Industrial societies do, however, bring problems for the elderly. Parsons (1954) noted that the elderly have less status in US society than in most other types of society. Once children have grown up and men have retired, the elderly lose their most important social roles. In addition, they may be relatively isolated from their children who tend to focus more on their marriage partners and their own children than they do on their parents. Parsons therefore said that by comparison with most other societies the United States assumes an extreme position in the isolation of old age from participation in the most important social structures and interests. Parsons did acknowledge, however, that the significance of old age differences varies within society. For example, farming families tend to have less separation of generations than other families in the USA. Both adolescents and the elderly can make some contribution to running a farm and this can make some contribution to running a farm and this can reduce the structural isolation of the elderly. Parsons’ views have been widely criticized. Jenny Hockey and Allison James note that his theory has been attacked for its determinism, its overemphasis on conformity and consensus and neglect of inequalities’ (2003). Although Parsons acknowledged that adolescents can rebel against their parents, according to his theory they seem to do so simply because the social structure stress that youths actively and creatively produce substructures rather than passively act out roles ascribed to them by society. Apart from rebellious adolescents, Parsons assumes that different age groups conform to generally agreed roles. However, postmodern theories suggest that age differences are breaking down; feminist theories criticize Parsons for assuming that women both are and should be socialized into ‘female’ roles as mothers and housewives; while conflict theories stress that Parsons ignores the conflict and exploitation involved in relationships between age groups. INTERPRETATIVE PERSPECTIVE ON AGE Both conflict and feminist perspectives on age are critical of the idea that age can be seen solely in biological and chronological terms. Age cannot be understood simply in terms of scientific facts, but instead must be understood in its social context. Indeed, all sociological perspectives believe that an understanding of society is crucial to an understanding of age. Interpretative approaches place particular emphasis upon the meanings attached to age. As Jane Pilcher says, interpretative perspectives are concernedwith understanding the meaning social phenomena have for individuals and with the process through which individuals interpret and understand the world. Interpretative approaches place less emphasis than conflict and feminist perspectives on the way social structures (such as class and patriarchy) shape those meanings. Instead, they tend to see the meanings as shaping the social world and affecting the behaviour of members of society. Thus interpretative sociologists are interested in the meanings attached to categories such as childhood, youth or old age, and the effects that those meanings have. Interpretative perspectives have therefore tended to support the idea that the age categories are a social construct – they are the product of social definitions, not natural, biological categories. Social constructionism has influenced other sociological approaches examined in this chapter including that of Aries. Prout and James (1990, discussed in Pilcher, 1995)sees interpretative sociology as influencing the sociology of age in two main ways: 1. It has led to the questioning of commonsense ideas about age. For example, it has questioned ideas about the inevitability of childhood as a period when children must be highly dependent on parents and of old age as a time when the quality of people’s lives deteriorates. 2. It has encouraged examination of the social world from the perspective of its participants, including disempowered groups such as children. Thus, for example, it has stimulated studies which take children seriously as social actors in their own right. The ideas behind interpretative perspectives on age – that age categories are largely social constructs, that commonsense views of age can be questioned, and that age can be studied from the viewpoint of those in all age groups – have been very influential. There is a good deal of overlap between interpretative and other perspectives in sociology. Many sociologists primarily influenced by other perspectives (including conflict theory, feminism and postmodern) have accepted at least some aspects of interpretative approaches. For example, Gannon (1999), while primarily seeing age from a feminist perspective, was influenced by interpretivism when studying the different meanings of old age for men and women. Similarly, predominantly interpretative approaches have been influenced by other perspectives in sociology.   CHAPTER THREE RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3.1 Introduction The chapter discusses the methods used in carrying out this research project. Methodology here explains a systematic, organised series of steps that ensure maximum objectivity and consistency in studying a problem (Schaefer, 2005). The usefulness of methodology in social science research is its tendency to serve as a guide for reliability and validity for the research findings. 3.2 Study Area The location of this study is Benue State of Nigeria. However, due to the wide geographical spread of the area which could be very difficult to cover within such a limited time, Makurdi (the Benue State capital city) is chosen as the main area of the study. The metropolitan nature of Makurdi makes it very suitable for this study since most of the aged are also found in this area. Makurdi town serves as the capital city of Benue State as well as the local government headquarters of Makurdi local government. It has a total population of over 293,398 out of which 157,295 are males, while 140,103 are females (2006 census). • Geographical: Makurdi town is situated at the narrow end of the River Benue where the rail bridge is constructed, Makurdi lies on both banks of the River Benue. It is bounded on the West and North by Lafia, Keana and Doma Local Government of Nasarawa State. On the east by Guma local government and on the South by both Gwer and Gwer-West Local Governments. According to Mr.Obunna, the origin of Makurdi town is a labour camp established about 1910 or soon after in connection with the survey of the eastern railway and the search for a sit for the bridge over the Benue River. The town proper was founded in 1913 under the government messenger, Audu Dan Afoda a Yoruba man from Lokoja the capital of present Kogi State who was sent by the provincial government from Ibi as an intermediary between the government and the campers during the construction of rail line from Enugu to Makurdi and between the government and the indigenous Tiv Community. The new town was rapidly populated by Hausa, Jukun and Nupe traders, with the completion and opening of the railway line from Enugu to Makurdi in 1925, Makurdi not only became a railway terminus but also numerous Igbo and Yoruba came to settle in the town. • Social: As a metropolitan in nature, it has people of diverse cultural background, prominent among the tribes or ethnic groups in Makurdi are Hausa, Igbo, Yourba, Jukun, Idoma, Nupe, Kabawa, Etulo, Alago etc and the indigenous and dominant Tiv tribe. Though the Tiv language and culture which is same consideration degree of cultural infusion for instance it is not surprising to see a Tiv man dressed in Hausa or Yoruba dress as well as speak Hausa and Yoruba languages and vice versa. • Economic: Makurdi is dominated by farmers, crops such as yam; soya-beans, corn, groundnut etc. are produced in the local government in a large quantity. Also commerce constitutes the main stay or revenue generation to the State. The township has fallen back on the establishment of markets and motor parks where its generate revenue, so the township has established market at North Bank, Wadata, High level and Wurukun. There are also small scale industries springing up in the township. Rice Milling, poultry, local poultry, leather works, sculpturing weaving and yam flour mills. • Political: As an administrative headquarters, the township is surrounded with the following Federal and State establishments. Tarka Foundation edifice, the two bridges across River Benue, the State University, Federal University of Agriculture, Zoological garden, Federal and State Secretariat. Others include the Police Zone 4 Headquarters and State Command, Nigeria; Army School of Military Engineering (NASME), the 72 Para Battalion of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSDC), IBB Square, Aper Aku Stadium among others. 3.3 Sampling Technique The purpose of sampling is to obtain from a population a manageable and yet meaningful responses for one’s research. This study aims at eliciting quantitative information pertaining to the socio-economic challenges of the aged in Makurdi L.G.A. In this regards a random sampling was done so as to conduct the research within the limit of time, money and manpower resources. For the purpose of this research, the researcher divided Makurdi Township into five (5) areas. These areas covered North Bank, High Level, Ankpa Quarters and Akpehe respectively. Simple random sampling is used in the selection of the actual participants. In simple random sampling, the choice of element is completely left to choice factor (Agburu, 2001). In other words, each member of the population has an equal calculable and non-zero chance of being chosen. The choice of this technique is based on the fact that it gives every member of the population equal chance of being selected and therefore fair and reasonable in generalisation. In order to arrive at the One Hundred and Fifty (150) respondents, using random sampling technique, the researcher randomly selected twenty-five (25) respondents in each of the five selected areas of study.   3.4 Instruments of Data Collection The major methods of data collection used for this study was a set of questionnaire and an in-depth interview which was carried out on the selected council wards. The questionnaire method which is the major among the two method used is chosen as a preferred technique because its elaborate and a subtle process of transmitting information from the respondents to the researcher. The questionnaire was divided into two (2) sections, Section “A” seeks information on socio-demographic attributes of respondents, and Section “B” contains questions on the causes and socio-economic challenges of the aged. Another set of questions were administered to key informants who were traditional rulers on a separate interview schedule. Through these methods, data was collected for the study. 3.5 Method of Data Analysis This research work employs simple statistical tools of data analysis such as tables, frequencies and percentages to present and analyse the data collected. Respondents are asked to choose from the available alternatives on each questions in the questionnaire, the alternative that suits their opinion on the question. In the process of computing and analysing the data which is presented in the tables, the alternative with the highest percentage responses is adopted as a widely accepted opinion on the question or issue. Discussion of findings shall be done based on the themes captured in the objectives of the study.   CHAPER FOUR DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS 4.1 Introduction This chapter is concerned with the presentation of data collected for the study, essentially the demographic data as well as the general information on the socio-economic challenges of the aged (old people) in Makurdi local government area of Benue State. The data is presented in line with the objectives and research questions set for the study. 4.2 Socio-Demographic Data of Respondents In this section, various demographic variables of respondents deemed relevant are presented. These include; Age, Sex, Marital status, Educational qualifications, occupation and religious affiliation of the respondents.   Table 1: Sex Distribution of Respondents Sex No of Respondents Percentage (%) Male 75 62.5 Female 45 37.5 Total 120 100 Source: Field Survey, 2014 Table 4.1 above shows the sex distribution of respondents. The data shows that 75 (62.5%) of the respondents were male. While that of the female respondents were 45 (37.5%). This means that men by nature of their prominent role in problem solving are more willing to participate in research of this kind. Also, the males were more available than the female counterparts in the course of this study. Table 4.2: Marital Status of Respondents Marital Status No of Respondents Percentage (%) Single 42 35.00 Married 59 49.00 Divorced 19 16.00 Total 120 100 Source: Field Survey, 2014 The data in table 4.2 indicates that majority 59 (49%) of the respondents are married, while a minority of 19 (16%) of the respondents are divorced. Though 42 (35%) of the respondents are single. This indicates that, the married people participated more in the research, probably due to the fact that, they have adequate knowledge about the challenges of the aged in the society, thus, there is a substantial difference in distribution of respondents by marital status. Table 4.3: Age Distribution of Respondents Age No of Respondents Percentage (%) 35-45 25 21.00 46-55 20 17.00 56-65 42 35.00 66-75 21 17.00 76 and above 12 10.00 Total 120 100 Source: Field Survey, 2014 From the above table 25 (21%) of the respondents fell under the age category 35-4 years, 20 (17%) fell under the ages of 46-55 years, on the other hand, 42 (35%) of the respondents fell under the age bracket of 56-65 years, while 21 (17.5%) of the respondents were under the age category of 66-75 years whereas 12 (10%) of the respondents fell under the age category of 76 years and above. The implication of these findings is that respondents between the ages 56-65 years participated more in the research, an indication that old people are more perhaps concerned about the problems of the old in the society since they are the most category of population directly involved and/or affected. Table 4.4: Educational Distribution of Respondents Level of Education No of Respondents Percentage (%) Primary Education 27 32.5 Secondary Education 45 37.5 Tertiary Education 18 15.00 Informal Education 30 25 Total 120 100 Source: Field Survey, 2014 The above data shows the educational attainment of the respondents, the data indicates that, majority of 45 (37.5%) of the respondents have attained a secondary education and a significant number of respondents 30 (25%) acquired informal education, 27 (22.5%) of the respondents acquired primary education, while minority of 18 (15%) has tertiary education. This indicated that, the more educated one is, the better equipped he/she is in handling research questionnaires and expressing his or herself in research of this kind. Table 4.5: Occupational Distribution of Respondents Occupation No of Respondents Percentage (%) Farming 20 16.00 Trading 33 27.5 Civil Servant 67 56.00 Total 120 100 Source: Field Survey, 2014 The above table shows the occupational distribution of respondents. The data shows that, majority of the respondents 67 (56%) are Civil servants, while a minority of 20 (16%) of the respondents are farmers. Also, a substantial number 33 (27.5%) of the respondents are traders. By implication, Civil servant are more in number than traders and farmers. This is because the area of study is urban in nature and the people residing in this area are predominantly Civil servants.   Table 4.6: Religious Distribution of Respondents Religion No of Respondents Percentage (%) Christianity 89 74.00 Islam 4 3.00 Traditional Religion 27 23.00 Total 120 100 Source: Field Survey, 2014 Table 4.6 above shows the religious distribution of respondents. The data shows that 89 (74%) of the respondents were Christians whereas 4 (3%) of the respondents were Islam, while 27 (23%) of the respondents belongs to other religious affiliation, specifically, the traditional religion. This indicates that, Christians dominate this area of study. 4.3 The Socio-economic Challenges of the Aged This section presents the socio-economic challenges of the aged in Makurdi local government area of Benue State.   Table 4.7: Respondents View on the Social Challenges of the Aged Social Challenges No of Respondents Percentages (%) Social Isolation 32 26.67 Urbanization 28 23.33 Lack of Security 14 11.67 Discrimination 39 32.5 Others 7 5.83 Total 120 100 Source: Field Survey, 2014 From the table presented above, it is observed that, 32 (26.67%) of the respondents were of the view that, social isolation is one of the social challenges faced by the aged in Makurdi metropolis, 28 (23.33%) of the respondents stated that the social challenges of the aged is the influx of urbanization and modernity, the data further shows that, 14 (11.67%) of the respondents opined that, lack of security is another social challenge faced by old people in Makurdi metropolis. Means while 39 (32.5%) of the respondents were of the opinion that, discrimination is the major social challenges faced by the aged in the society. Other respondents who constituted 7 (5.83%) of the respondents were of the opinion that, there are other social challenges faced by the aged in the society which include; the influx of individualism, unemployment etc By implication, the major social challenge of the age is the high level of discrimination which they faced today; the study clearly shows that, there are other social challenges of the aged in the society. Table 4.8: Respondents View on the Economic Challenges of the Aged in the Society Economic Challenges No of Respondents Percentage (%) Western Education 21 17.5 Unemployment 26 21.67 High Standard of Living 69 57.5 High rate of Inflation 4 3.33 Total 120 100 Source: Field Survey, 2014 Data from the above shows the economic challenges of the aged in Makurdi metropolis. The data indicates that, 21 (17.5%) of the respondents were of the opinion that, the effect and prevalence of western education is the economic challenge faced by the aged in the society. The data further shows that 26 (21.67%) of the respondents said unemployment is also the economic challenge faced by the aged in the society. On the other hand, 69 (57.5%) of the respondents affirm that, high standard of living is another challenge faced by the aged in the society, while 4 (3.33%) of the respondents believed that, high rate of inflation is also the economic challenges which the old people are facing in Makurdi metropolis of Benue State. By implication, the study reveals that the major economic challenge faced by the aged in Makurdi metropolis is high standard of living, although there are other economic challenges faced by the aged in Makurdi metropolis as put forward by the respondents. 4.4 Discussion of Findings The major objective of this study is to assess the socio-economic challenges of the aged in Makurdi metropolis as well as suggest possible ways of reducing these challenges. The data was collected, presented and analysed in line with the above objectives. The demographic data of the respondent’s shows that majority of the sampled population aged 56-65 years representing 35% participated more in the research. However, other age category of respondents between 35-45 years, 46-55 years, 66-75 years and 76 years and above equally participated in the research. The educational attainment of respondents reveals that 45 (37.5%) out of the (120) sampled population attain Secondary school education. This means the sampled respondents had low level of education. On the level of the social challenges of the aged in Makurdi metropolis, it was discovered that, there are social challenges facing the aged in the society. However, the study revealed that, the major social challenge faced by the aged in the society is high rate of discrimination of the aged by the young generation. This is represented and justified in table 4.7 where 39 (32.5%) of the respondents were of the opinion that discrimination of the aged is the major social challenge faced by the aged in the society. An examination of the economic challenges faced by the aged in the society indicates that, there are several economic challenges of the aged in the society such as the Impact of Western education, Unemployment, High standard of living, High rate of Inflation. This is in line with Denga (2005), who identified discrimination as one of the social challenges of the aged in the society. Similarly, Haber (1983), Bansell (1956) variously enumerated the challenges of the aged such as Unemployment, High standard of living, western education among others as contained in the findings.   CHAPTER FIVE SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION This study was initiated to take into consideration the assessment of the socio-economic challenges of the aged in Makurdi metropolis of Benue state. In order to arrive at the examination of the study, the research has been divided and organised into five chapters. 5.1 Summary The fist chapter dealt with the background of the study, it tries also to present a coherent statement of problem of the study as well as objectives and research question, significance, scope of the study and definition of terms. In chapter two literature review and theoretical framework was reviewed. However, the concept of aging, factors that facilitates aging, the importance of the aged in the society, the socio-economic challenges of the aged as well as the efforts towards combating the socio-economic challenges of the aged were examined. Some sociological theories were used for the study; however, the modernisation theory was selected as theoretical framework for the study.  In chapter three the study methodology include instrument of data collection, the method of data analysis as well as sample procedure were selected. The method of questionnaire and interview were adopted for the collection of data while information collected was presented in a questionnaire from with the use of simple percentage and frequency tables. The fourth chapter of the research deals with the presentation and analysis of the data collected, which were based on respondents from the designed instruments of questionnaire. 5.2 Conclusion Based on the findings, the following conclusion can be drawn that, discrimination of the aged is the major social challenge of the aged in Makurdi metropolis. Other social challenges include Social isolation, Urbanization, Lack of security as well as other social challenges. As regards to the second objective which is the assessment of the economic challenges faced by the aged in the society, study revealed that, there are lots of economic challenges of the aged in the society. Therefore, in order to arrive at the solution and solve these problems, the study has emerged with the following recommendations. 5.3 Recommendation The public should be sensitized and awareness campaign put in place to educate the people about the importance of the aged, which is very vital for social development, since they are the custodian of the customs and tradition in the society. The people should respect and honour the views of the aged, since their knowledge is based on their long lived experiences. By so doing, the conditions and life of the aged will be improved upon. There should be change in the attitude about the belief of the old people in the society, since there are misconceptions about the aged in the society. The general society should bear in mind the importance of the knowledge of the aged and how it is relevant for the socialization of the younger generation in regards to the customs, norms and values of the society. The government, Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the general public should have fora for the discussions on the importance of the old people, such fora should emphasis on necessary policies and programmes that will improve the lives of the old so as to enhance their maximum participation in the development and growth of the society.  REFERENCES Abraham, B. A. (1940), The Tiv People. England: Stephen Austin and Sons Ltd. Bohannan, P. And Laura, (1968), The Tiv Economy. Evanston: Northwestern University Press. Bottomore, T.B (1965), Classes in Modern Society. London: Goerge Allen and Unwin Ltd. Downes, R.M. (1965), The Tiv Tribes. London: Gregg International Publishers. Durkheim E. (1965), The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life. New York: Free Press. Hogan, M. (2006), Academic Dictionary of Sociology. New Deihi: Academic India Publishers. Igbum, V. (2003), Aspect of Tiv Traditional Religion: “An Appraisal” Makurdi Journal of Arts and Culture Vol, 5. (77- 86) Black Heritage Publication. Jibo M. (1991), From Makir Dzakpe to Alfred Torkula: The Impact of Tor Tiv Institution on the Political, Economic and socio- Cultural Life of the People, Unpublished Paper. Jibo, M. (1993), Tiv Politics Since 1959: Zaria. Ahmadu Bello University Press. Lloyd, P.C. (1967), Africa in Social Change: Penguin Books Ltd, Harmondsworth, Middlesex England. Makar, T. (1994), The History of Political Change among the Tiv in the 19th and 20th centuries. Fourth Dimension Pubishing Co. Ltd. Enugu, Nigeria. Moti, J.S and Wegh, S.F (2001), An Encounter between Tiv Religion and Christianity. Enugu: Snaap Press Ltd. Rubingh, E. (1969), Sons of Tiv: A Study of the Rise of the Church among the Tiv of Central Nigeria. Michigan: Baker Book Co. Grand Rapids. Rupert E. (1965) Translator and Annotator: Akiga’s Story; “The Tiv Tribe as seen by one of its members”. London: Oxford University Press. Wuam, T. (2006) The Tiv Story. Ibadan: Polygraphics Ventures Ltd. Yuhe, D.V (1976) The Phenomenon of Secularization and Christian Message in Tiv Land. Rome.   APPENDIX QUESTIONNAIRE SECTION A: DEMOGRAPHIC DATA Instruction: Tick [] as appropriate. 1. Sex: Male [ ] Female [ ] 2. Marital Status: Single [ ] Married [ ] Divorce [ ] 3. Age: 35-45 [ ] 46-55 [ ] 56-65 [ ] 66-75 [ ] 75 and above [ ] 4. Educational qualifications: Primary education [ ] Secondary education [ ] Tertiary education [ ] Higher education [ ] 5. Occupation: Farming [ ] Trading [ ] Civil servant [ ]Teaching[] 6. Religion: Christianity [ ] Islam [ ]Traditional religion [ ] SECTION B: General question on the problems of the aged (old) in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State 7. Does old age minimizes somebody's social and economic opportunities? Yes [ ] No [ ] 8. Are the aged in your society being supported and cared for? Yes [ ] No [ ] 9. What is the kind of care and support for the aged in Makurdi Metropolis? Psychological[ ] Health[ ] Economic[ ] 10. What is the level of the availability of service that serves the older people (aged) in Makurdi? Okay [ ] Not okay [ ] 11. Do you agree that malnutrition could trigger the aging process of an individual? Yes [ ] No [ ] 12. Are the aged faced with social challenges in Makurdi metropolis? Yes [ ] No [ ] 13. Does stress facilitate the aging process of an individual? Yes[ ] No [ ] 14. Are the aged faced with economic challenges? Yes [ ] No [ ] 15. Does the aged play significant roles in ensuring stability in the society? Yes [ ] No [ ] 16. Are the aged neglected and discriminated against in Makurdi? Yes [ ] No[ ] 17. Does stress cause aging? Yes [ ] No [ ] 18. An era of economic down turn (poverty) may accelerate aging? Yes [ ] No [ ] 19. Suggest possible ways to improve the socio-economic challenges of the aged in the society……………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………