ATTITUDES OF ELDERS TOWARDS DEATH, DYING AND BEREAVEMENT IN OSOGBO

ABSTRACT This study evaluates the attitude of elders towards death, dying and bereavement in Osogbo, Osun. The purpose of this study is to explain the factors behind the attitude of elders to dying and bereavement in Osogbo, Osun, find out the implication of these to the factors surrounding life expectancy in the nation and also to determine prevailing situation, which the ignorance about the factors surrounding death has caused in Nigerian context. This study was guided by Terror Management Theory. This study employed survey research designed. The population for this study are the residents of Osogbo Local government, Osun state where a sample of (122) elder were randomly selected with the use of stratified and simple random sampling technique from the selected local government. Data was generated from the respondents with the use of structured questionnaire in which data generated was analysed using frequency distribution and percentage while descriptive statistics was use to analyze the research objectives. The study revealed that human being can only think, imagine or belief something about death as a phenomenon but cannot change or stop its existence rather, human beings can only improve on the chances of longevity by looking at the socio-economic and health factors that surround life expectancy in a particular society or among a particular group. In the case of African traditional societies with special emphasis on Nigeria, superstitious belief has overtaken the proper knowledge about factors surrounding death and life expectancy. Lack of knowledge about the socio-economic and health factors remain the unseen factor among the traditionalAfrican people such as Nigerians, which continue to threaten the improvement of life expectancy among the population and not the spiritual enemies based on culture or religion. Based on the findings of this study, the following were recommended future research should focus on a bigger sample size and involve other forms of data analysis to compare the findings, there is need for research on other variables such as health status and idiopathic diseases, economic status and ineffective parental controls which were not incorporated or texted in this. Also, here is need for further research specifically for step parent, father only children homes and for children living with grandparents to compare the results and add to existing body of knowledge.