Determinants of quality of life and activities of daily living among the elderly

Akanni I. Akinyemi, Obafemi Awolowo University

We examine the proximate determinants of well-being among 947 elderly. Using two indicators of well-being (Aging Male Syndrom scale and Activities of Daily Life), we examine wealth index differentials on self-reported assessment of well-being among 974 elderly population in Nigeria. Activities of Daily Living (ADL) examine fourteen activities which they needed to do as part of their daily lives. The Aging Male Symptoms instruments assessed self reported quality of life on a 17-variable scale to assess general well-being of the subjects. The data showed that decline in sexual feelings is more pronounced among elderly males. Males also expressed the feelings of decline in productivity and the feelings that they have passed their peak.