SOCIAL CONNECTEDNESS OF THE OLDER ADULTS IN NON-URBAN SETTINGS: AN EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE

Abstract

The study was conducted to unveil social connectedness of the older adults in non-urban societies in Ghana, and the ecological and social inclusion theories underpinned the study. The descriptive cross-sectional survey was undertaken based on the positivist school of thought. Older adults who were 60 years or more, participated in the study. Older Adults’ Social Connectedness Questionnaire (OASCQ) was designed to gather data to answer the research questions and test the hypothesis. Frequency counts and percentages, mean and standard deviation and independent samples t-test were the analytical tools employed for the data analysis. The study unveiled, inter alia, that the older adults tend to enjoy moderate level of social connectedness and the major groups of people they frequently socially interact with are relatives, religious group members, neighbours and friends. The study also unveiled that religious activities, phone calls, cultural and social activities are the principal conduits for the older adults’ social interaction with significant others. Finally, the study establ ished a difference in the level of social connectedness of the male and female older adults. It is reckoned that the older adults in the rural settings need more and intensive social interactions to serve as impetus for longevity.