Gender Differences in the Social Engagement and Self-Rated Health of Retirees in a Nigerian Setting

The social engagement and self-rated health of retirees were studied for gender differences in a Nigerian setting. The study was based on the hypothesis that gender difference in the level of social engagement entailing particularly, the traditional ceremonies may be reflected in differential self-rated health. The engagement (visitations, traditional ceremonies, religious activities and leisure/physical activities) and selfrated health were assessed with structured questionnaire-based scales. Female retirees dominated traditional and religious activities and it contributed to their overall significantly better social engagement (P=0.001) than the male retirees. Female retirees also reported better self-rated health (63% vs. 45% in the “good” category). There was a significant association (P=0.025, chi square) between self-rated health and gender and a positive correlation (P=0.05) between self-rated health and social engagement in both sexes. Thus participation in traditional and religious activities by the elderly adults especially among males needs to be encouraged as part of stratagem for promoting healthy ageing.