GENDER DIFFERENCES IN CARE-GIVING OGENDER DIFFERENCES IN CARE-GIVING OF AGEING PARENTSF AGEING PARENTS

A STUDY OF ADULT OFF-SPRINGS IN NSUKKA TOWN OF ENUGU STATE

Abstract

Caring for an elderly relative is usually a task that is reserved for females especially in African societies. This study presents an analysis of the effect of gender in care giving. Data was collected from five hundred and thirty (530) respondents who have elderly parents residing in Nsukka town using questionnaire and interviews. Comparisons were made between male and female adult off-springs. Findings show that adult daughters (58.8%) perceive care giving more positively than males while more males (51.4%) see care giving as a burden than females. One major implication of findings is the need to introduce programmes in our schools that will encourage young people both male and female to start interacting with the elderly early so that care giving will come naturally to them when the time comes.