COUNSELLING NEEDS OF ELDERLY PERSONS IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The gradual increase in age makes the elderly susceptible to situations which needed to be allayed. This study investigated counselling needs of elderly persons in Imo State, Nigeria. Descriptive survey: simple random, proportional and purposive sampling methods were used to select the study sample. The instrument entitled “Counselling Needs of Elderly Persons Questionnaire” was used to collect data. Validity of the instrument was ensured, reliability was established with a coefficient of 0.73. Data was analysed using mean and Analysis of Variance at 0.05 alpha level. The findings showed that counselling is required for elderly persons while there was no significant difference in their counselling needs based on age and gender. The study recommended that counselling outlet be accessible and well-furnished to cater for the needs of elderly persons.