SOCIO-CULTURAL BASIS OF LONGEVITY BETWEEN WOMEN AND MEN IN BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

There are differences in health status between women and men. This has been attributed to gender-specific health and longevity-related behaviours. Hence, society and culture influence men to certain lifestyles that are increasingly detrimental to their health and life. The aim of this study is to investigate socio-cultural factors responsible for longevity among older men and women. The lifestyle theory formed the theoretical base for this study. The study generally is a quantitative cross-sectional study conducted among 344 older adults aged 50 years and above in Yenagoa city of Bayelsa state, Nigeria. Data for the study was gathered through the use of the structured questionnaire, while data analysis was done using, univariate, bivariate and multivariate statistics at 0.05 level of significance. Findings from the study showed that there is 0.52 variation of the independent variables on longevity for female respondents with F (15, 155) = 11.25, p<0.000; while that of their male counterparts is 0.34 variation of the independent variables on longevity with F (14, 158) = 5.75, p<0.000. It was thus concluded that most social factors that determine longevity differentials by gender are more favourable to men.Hence, the need for socialization and re-socialization of individuals based on their gender to shape and re-shape the biological factors for more favourable living conditions and healthy lifestyles is essential for promoting healthy well-being and further enhance longevity free from diseases or morbidity.