Pages: (14-31 )
Abstract
This study assessed the information behaviour of the aged in Ijebu-North Local Government Area of Ogun State. Survey research design was adopted with a total sample size of one hundred and twenty (120) aged participants. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques was adopted. Out of the distributed questionnaire, only one hundred (100) was retrieved and found usable, which accounted for 83.3% response rate. Self-structured and validated questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection, and was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics at 0.05 level. Findings indicated that elderly individuals primarily seek health-related, life decision, government policy, and political information. They actively seek information daily for health challenges, new knowledge, and financial sources, relying on sources like friends, family, health professionals, media, traditional leaders, and religious centres. However, challenges such as limited information skills, financial constraints, low awareness, knowledge limitations, and health issues impact their information-seeking behaviour. Notably, gender doesn't affect their information behaviour, whereas occupation and education levels play a significant role. Recommendations based on the findings include government-sponsored information literacy programs for the elderly, financial support for retirees, equitable access to information services for different elderly groups, and prioritizing health information provision in public libraries and information centres.
Aged, Elderly, Information Behaviours, Information Needs, Sources of Information
Keywords: Aged, Elderly, Information Behaviours, Information Needs, Sources of Information,