AN ASSESSMENT OF THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIOECONOMIC DETERMINANTS ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG THE ELDERLY IN BINJI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, SOKOTO STATE, NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study Aging is an essential dimension of both national development and economic progress, representing an inevitable and natural process often accompanied by health-related challenges that demand appropriate attention (Cadmus et al., 2021). The enduring human desire to delay the aging process and evade death is rooted in an inherent fear of aging and mortality (Cadmus et al., 2021). Promoting healthy aging is a continuous pursuit aimed at optimizing individuals' physical, mental, and social well-being, maintaining independence, enhancing life satisfaction, and ensuring successful transitions throughout the aging process (Abu, 2018). While the World Health Organization categorizes individuals aged 65 and above as elderly, in Nigeria, this classification begins at age 60 (Mamman & Attah, 2019). Elder care refers to a broad range of support services specifically designed to meet the unique needs of older adults, including assisted living, adult day programs, long-term residential care, and hospice services (Ekpenyong et al., 2019). The provision of elderly care is inherently complex and shaped by cultural values, thus resisting a universal model (Ekpenyong et al., 2019). In many Asian societies, for example, traditional family caregiving is preferred over institutionalized support systems (Chawla, 2019). At the heart of elder care lies the goal of preserving the dignity of older individuals while addressing their social, psychological, and physical needs (Chawla, 2006). Globally, much of elder care remains within the realm of unpaid labor, with considerable differences in caregiving practices and access to services, even within the same country (Brown, 2018). The global increase in the elderly population—particularly in developing nations—has led to a heightened demand for elderly care services, driven by factors such as declining birth rates and shrinking family structures (Ekpenyong et al., 2019). Historically, extended families bore the responsibility of elder care; however, shifts in family dynamics, such as reduced family size and rising female participation in the workforce, have transferred this responsibility to the state or charitable organizations (Cox & Mberia, 2018). In rural areas of Nigeria, where access to essential services and infrastructure is limited, elderly individuals face intensified hardships. These challenges include financial insecurity, physical frailty, and social exclusion, all of which are further compounded by cultural beliefs and traditional norms that often marginalize older adults (Dorjahn, 2020). In light of these realities, this study intends to conduct an empirical investigation into the influence of socioeconomic factors on the quality of life of elderly individuals residing in Binji Local Government Area of Sokoto State. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Nigeria is experiencing a growing elderly population, fueled by rising life expectancy, a decline in fertility rates, and the migration of younger populations to urban areas in search of better economic prospects. However, while these demographic shifts continue, older adults—particularly those living in rural areas—encounter serious socioeconomic barriers that hinder their overall well-being and diminish their quality of life. In many societies, access to both social and economic opportunities is largely determined by one’s socioeconomic standing. Even in communities where healthcare facilities and services are available, socioeconomic disadvantages often prevent individuals from utilizing these resources effectively. Such barriers may include a lack of financial means or limited access to critical information necessary to navigate healthcare and social support systems. These limitations are often direct consequences of an individual's placement within the broader social and economic hierarchy. Across the globe, those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are disproportionately burdened by health issues that are otherwise preventable or manageable—even when healthcare is geographically accessible. Many older individuals in these circumstances experience avoidable suffering due to their inability to afford or effectively use available services. Given these concerns, this study seeks to examine the impact of socioeconomic factors on the quality of life of elderly people in Binji Local Government Area, Sokoto State.  1.3  Objectives of the Study The main purpose of this study is to assess the Influence of Socioeconomic Determinants on the Quality of Life Among the Elderly in Binji Local Government Area, Sokoto State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study will; i.Identify specific socioeconomic factors that influence the quality of life of the elderly in Binji LGA, Sokoto state. ii.Investigate the availability and accessibility of healthcare services for the elderly population in Binji LGA, Sokoto state. iii.Find out the level of economic status of the elderly in Binji LGA, Sokoto state. iv.Find out the challenges faced by elderly individuals in accessing socioeconomic resources and opportunities in Binji LGA, Sokoto state. 1.4 Research Questions The following questions have been prepared for the study: i.What are the specific socioeconomic factors that impact the quality of life of the elderly in Binji LGA, Sokoto state? ii.How available and accessible are healthcare services for the elderly population in Binji LGA, Sokoto state? iii.What is the economic status of the elderly in Binji LGA, Sokoto state? iv.What challenges do elderly individuals face in accessing socioeconomic resources and opportunities in Binji LGA, Sokoto state? 1.5 Research Hypotheses Ho: There is no significant  impact of socioeconomic factors on quality of life of elderly  in Binji local government area, Sokoto state. Ha: There is a significant impact of socioeconomic factors on quality of life of elderly  in Binji local government area, Sokoto state. 1.6  Significance of the Study The study's findings will empower elderly individuals and their families by raising awareness of the challenges they face and advocating for solutions that improve their quality of life. It will also help families and caregivers better understand the needs of elderly relatives living in rural areas, facilitating more effective support and care arrangements. Furthermore, subsequent researchers will use it as a literature review. This means that other students who may decide to conduct studies in this area will have the opportunity to use this study as available literature that can be subjected to critical review. Invariably, the result of the study contributes immensely to the body of academic knowledge with regard to the impact of socioeconomic factors on quality of life of elderly  in Binji local government area, Sokoto state. 1.7 Scope of the study The scope of this study is boarded on the Influence of Socioeconomic Determinants on the Quality of Life Among the Elderly in Binji Local Government Area, Sokoto State, Nigeria. Empirically, this study will identify specific socioeconomic factors that influence the quality of life of the elderly in Binji LGA, Sokoto state, investigate the availability and accessibility of healthcare services for the elderly population in Binji LGA, Sokoto state, find out the level of economic status of the elderly in Binji LGA, Sokoto state and find out the challenges faced by elderly individuals in accessing socioeconomic resources and opportunities in Binji LGA, Sokoto state. Geographically, the study will be delimited to residents of Binji local government area, Sokoto state, Nigeria. 1.8 Limitation of the study In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents. In addition, there was the element of researcher bias. Here, the researcher possessed some biases that may have been reflected in the way the data was collected, the type of people interviewed or sampled, and how the data gathered was interpreted thereafter. The potential for all this to influence the findings and conclusions could not be downplayed.  More so, the findings of this study are limited to the sample population in the study area, hence they may not be suitable for use in comparison to other schools, local governments, states, and other countries in the world. 1.9 Definition of Terms Socioeconomic: refers to the interconnection between social and economic factors in the community. Elderly: individuals who are advanced in age, usually beyond retirement age, and often experiencing the physical, cognitive, and social changes associated with aging. Rural community: is a settlement or area located outside urban centers, typically characterized by lower population density, agricultural activities, natural landscapes, and limited access to urban amenities and infrastructure.