INFLUENCE OF THE PSYCHOSOCIAL NEEDS OF THE AGED IN RIVERS STATE: IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNSELING.

Abstract

This study examined the influence of the Psychosocial Needs of the Aged in Rivers State: Implications for Counselling. The study adopted descriptive research design. three research questions and three hypotheses guided the study. The population comprised all the Aged (60 years and above) in Rivers State. A sample of 400 Aged men and women were selected through stratified random sampling technique. The researcher developed a self-structured questionnaire titled “Influence of the Psychosocial Needs the Aged Scale” (IPNAS). The IPNAS is divided into two sections: A and B. Section A was made up of demographic data while Section B contained 40 items designed for data collection. The instrument was validated by the researcher’s supervisor and two test experts. The reliability of the instrument was established through Test Re-Test Method using Pearson Product Moment Correlation and the reliability coefficient obtained was (r = 0.84).Mean and standard deviation were used to answer all the research questions. The study found that, majority of the aged are in agreement on their psychological need; no agreement among the aged on satisfying their social needs
and majority of the aged persons agreed on the influences of the psychosocial needs in their lives. Based on the findings, some recommendation were made; state government with non-governmental agencies should address the needs of the aged by developing sustainable policies and programmes such as free medical care, transportation and financial allowances to enhance productive living, inclusion for the aged should be promoted and all retirement benefits be given to them on time.