UNDERSTANDING HEALTHY AGEING THROUGH LIFESTYLE BEHAVIOURS: EVIDENCE FROM OLDER ADULTS IN EDO STATE, NIGERIA

Population ageing is increasing rapidly across the world, particularly in developing countries where health systems are often inadequately prepared for the growing needs of older adults. In sub-Saharan Africa, and particularly in Nigeria, older persons experience increasing vulnerability to chronic diseases, disability and poor quality of life due to inadequate healthcare access, poverty and unhealthy lifestyle practices. This study examined the association between lifestyle patterns and healthy ageing among elderly people in Edo State, Nigeria. A communitybased cross-sectional survey design was adopted among 500 older adults aged 65 years and above, selected through simple random sampling from four wards in Auchi, Edo State. Data were collected using structured questionnaires covering socio-demographic characteristics, sleep duration, smoking status, dietary pattern, alcohol consumption and physical activity. Healthy ageing was measured based on self-reported functional ability and physical well-being. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression at 5% level of significance. Findings revealed that 76.0% of respondents reported good physical functioning and healthy ageing outcomes. About 44.0% slept more than 8 hours daily, 65.8% consumed balanced carbohydrate/protein diets, while 79.6% were non-smokers. However, 62.4% consumed alcohol in varying degrees. Multivariate logistic regression showed that regular sleep duration (OR = 1.486; p < 0.05), healthy diet pattern (OR = 1.533; p < 0.05), and engagement in basic physical activity (OR = 2.897; p < 0.05) significantly increased the likelihood of healthy ageing among older adults. Smoking habit (OR = 0.443; p > 0.05) and alcohol consumption (OR = 0.352; p > 0.05) reduced the likelihood of healthy ageing although not statistically significant. The study concluded that positive lifestyle behaviours significantly contribute to healthy ageing among elderly persons in Edo State, Nigeria. The study recommends the development of public health policies promoting physical activity, healthy nutrition, adequate sleep and behavioural health education for older adults.