Effects of Covid-19 Pandemic Disease on the Social Well-Being of the Elderly Person’s in Nigeria

Abstract

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected the global economic and as well, deepened inequalities, poverty and joblessness amongst young and old persons across all nations. It is on this basis that this study is outlined to ascertain the circumstances of Covid-19 and economic downturn on the social well-being of older adults in Nigeria and the implications for social work practice. The study used a qualitative data collected from 16 older adults residing in four out of the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria through an in-depth interview guide. The collected data was transcribed and was coded, using Nvivo12 and was analyzed thematically. Result of the study revealed that Covid-19 pandemic has an overwhelming impact on the socioeconomic well-being of older adults in Nigeria. It showed the negligence of government authorities in the care of the elderly. The study discussed the implications of the findings for social work practice. Based on the findings, the study recommended that Nigerian governments, NGOs, and well-meaning individuals in the society should provide adequately for the less privileged and the older adults during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. And more so, policies and programs that will enhance the role of social work practices should be formulated and upheld by the Nigerian governments, through professionalism of social work.