Gerontology and Adult Education in Rivers State

Mezewo E.  Obuzor; Stella Karibo  Ortuka

doi:10.51699/emjms.v26i4.1119

Authors

Mezewo E. Obuzor Rivers State University, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Stella Karibo Ortuka Rivers State University, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51699/emjms.v26i4.1119

Keywords:

Gerontology, Elderly, Adult Education, Aging, Lifelong Learning

Abstract

This study addresses the underexplored issue of gerontology in the context of adult education in Rivers State. Gerontology, the study of aging and the elderly, is often limited to viewing seniors as retired individuals with diminished capacities. This research challenges this notion by highlighting the potential of adult education to empower the elderly, enabling them to contribute positively to society. The study, conducted in both the Riverine and Upland regions of Rivers State, employed a mixed-method approach, including questionnaires, interviews, and observations, complemented by library research. Data were collected from 200 respondents using an incidental sampling technique, with 150 valid responses analyzed. The findings underscore the crucial role of adult education in mitigating the challenges of aging, such as physical, psychological, and social declines. By providing relevant skills and resources, adult education helps seniors remain active and engaged. However, the study also highlights barriers such as unfavorable economic conditions that hinder elderly participation in adult education. The research implications suggest that tailored adult education programs can significantly enhance the quality of life and societal contributions of the elderly. Further research is recommended to explore effective strategies for integrating gerontology and adult education in diverse economic contexts.

References

A. A. Atruogu, *Gerontology: The Study of the Age: Issues and Options*. University of Port Harcourt Press, 2011.

B. A. Eheazu, *The Right to Learn: Relevance of Adult Education*. University of Port Harcourt Inaugural Lecture Series No. 20, 1998.

P. Freint, *Pedagogy of the Oppressed*. Penguin Books Ltd., 2010.

T. Fasokun, "Challenges of Professionalizing Adult Education Delivery in Nigeria: Emerging Issues," Annual Conference, Calabar, Nigeria, 2016.

R. Gracia, "Bio Gerontology," 2010. [Online]. Available: http://www.gswl.orgwikipedis.com.

E. Hilgard, *Theories of Learning*. Century, 2006.

I. R. Grofts, *Contemporary Issues in Sociology of Education*. Emmanest Ventures Publication, No. 5 Shopping Centre, IAUE, Port Harcourt, 2010.

A. E. Ibeh, *Psychology of Education: Childhood, Adolescent, and Adulthood in Teaching-Learning Transitions*. CAPHC Publishers, 2001.

S. Jegede, *The Gerontology: A Psychosocial Analysis*. Lagos University Press, 2013.

O. A. Nwizor, *Philosophy of Adult Education in Nigeria*. University of Port Harcourt Press, 2014.

I. S. Nzeneri, "The Role of Adult Education in Mobilizing the Retired in Port Harcourt Toward Proper Adjustment," *Nigeria Journal of Empirical Studies in Psychology & Education*, vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 96-98, 2008.

E. O. Nwanguma, *The Psychology of Adult Learning*. Double Diamond Publishers, 2012.

B. A. Okaba, *Issues and Prospects in Adult Education Studies: Sociological Perspective*. University of Port Harcourt, 1997.

J. T. Okedara, *An Introduction to Gerontological Studies*. Ibadan University Press Ltd., 2014.

E. O. Olajide, *Gerontology and Its Implications for Adult Education in Nigeria*. University of Ibadan Press, 2016.

A. U. Osunde and J. Obiunu, "Education for the Aged: Some Imperatives for Effective Programme Development and

Implementation," *Nigeria Journal of Adult and Lifelong Learning*, vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 1-10, 2015.

J. A. Olowookere, *Ageing and the Keys to Longevity*. Triumph Providential Publishers, Ibadan, 2013.

E. C. Onyenemezu, "Adult Education and the Challenges of the 21st Century in Nigeria," *Journal of Education and Practice*, vol. 3, no. 5, pp. 1-6, 2012.

A. P. Ukpong, *Handbook on Adult Education: Principles and Practices*. Abigab Associates, 2008.

M. A. Uzuobo, *The History of Education: Ethnological Studies*. University of Port Harcourt Press Ltd., 2013.

S. P. Woji, *Adult Development and Ageing (2nd ed): Emerging Issues in Education Law*. University of Port Harcourt Press, 2012.