ELDERLY ISOLATION AND COMMUNITY RESPONSES IN PHALGA WARD 6, OKRIKA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT The study examines elderly isolation and community responses in Phalga, Ward 6 Okrika local government area, Rivers State, Nigeria. The study objectives were to examine factors that influence isolation of elderly individuals in the community, to explore how isolation affects the mental and physical health of the elderly in ward 6 Phalga Okirika community and to identify strategies implemented by the community in addressing isolation among the elderly in the community. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. The study population comprised 1,005,904 individuals from Phalga Ward 6 in Okrika, Local Government Area, Rivers State. Random sampling technique used to select 301 individual’s Residents of Phalga Community of Okrika Local Government Area of River State. A mixed method which is the triangulation of quantitative with qualitative analyses was carried out to analyse the data. Data collected were analysed by simple method of tabulation and percentage which included quantitative data analysis and interpretation. Chi-square statistical technique and responses analysis were also used to test the study’s objective specifically; influencing isolation among elderly individual, Mental health, Community programs and support services and Awareness strategies. The study findings revealed significant positive influence of health, physical and emotional factors on isolation of elderly individuals in the community (t-statistic = 5.33 and p-value = 0.000). Elderly isolation had significant positive effect on the mental and physical health of older adults with strategies for reducing isolation (β=4.56; p=0.000) and community and religious programmes (β=4.10; p=0.000) significantly predicting the mental and physical health outcomes of elderly individuals. Based on the findings, the study recommended that families should prioritize regular communication with their elderly relatives through phone calls, video chats, and in-person visits. This consistent interaction fosters a sense of connection and reduces feelings of abandonment. Alongside emotional support, families should also provide financial assistance to help elderly individuals meet their healthcare and social needs.