Sex differences in perception of aging among the Nigerian elderly

This study assesses sex differences in perception of aging among the Nigerian elderly in the town of Awe in Oyo state. Thirty persons over the age of sixty years were asked individually to rate the difficulty of sixteen events for themselves, other women, and other men. It was found that perception of difficulty for oneself is not as great as for others. Also, there was no difference in the perception of difficulty overall for men and women. However, both these findings must be interpreted in the light of a significant (p < .01) interaction between sex of other persons and specific events. Change in appearance, departure of children, and decrease in time with children are seen as more difficult for other women. Increased leisure time, decreased strength, and retirement are seen as more difficult for other men. Statements regarding difficulty of aging ought to be precise as to sex and specific events of aging.