Archives of Humanities & Social Sciences Research
ISSN: 3065-3568 | DOI: 10.64030/3065-3568
Nse Abasi Edighienyong Edet and Victor Eyo Assi
The elderly in Nigeria and other nations use care homes services to a limited extent despite demographic changes, as seen in culturally communal societies like Akwa Ibom State. This paper adopted mixed methods to study sociocultural influences on eldercare decisions in the four selected Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State. Beliefs on filial obligation, spiritual continuity, and moral duty contribute to resistance to institutional care. Religious doctrines and communal expectations support these norms. Factors like urbanization and education level influence increasing readiness for care homes. The challenges include affordability, regulatory gaps, and a lack of community education. The results reveal that there’s a cultural transition from traditional caregiving to formal eldercare. Thus, an hybrid systems incorporating cultural beliefs, religious lobbying, and policy changes are recommended. Finally, this study contributes to gerontology in sub-Saharan Africa by presenting a culturally based approach to eldercare behaviour and resistance.