Coping Mechanisms of Older Persons with Emigrant Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria has taken a huge toll on the welfare of older adults, especially the ‘left behind’. Studies in Nigeria have discussed the issues of the COVID-19 pandemic but failed to consider the coping mechanisms adopted by older adults ‘left behind’ by their emigrant children during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study identifies the coping mechanisms developed by left-behind older parents during the COVID-19 pandemic in southeast Nigeria. The study also highlights the challenges experienced by these individuals. Qualitative data was collected from 58 older parents who were 60 years or older, and with international migrant children using in-depth interview and focus group discussion guides. Thematic analysis was then used to analyze the generated data. According to the study’s results, left-behind older parents adopted several strategies such as Information Communication Technology devices and new media, faith-based activities, and electronic games, to adapt to their experiences of emotional stress, physical health challenges, and financial challenges. To achieve the United Nations agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the 2063 African Union Agenda, there is a need to strengthen systems, including family and the community that support Nigerian older adults. Also, the implementation of an ageing policy becomes imperative to ensure the protection of Nigerian older adults, especially the ‘left behind’, and to buffer further challenges during the pandemic.