Abstract

The study investigated perceived benefits of literacy among aged women in Ife Central Local Government Area, Nigeria.  Both primary and secondary data were sourced and used for the study.  Concept of literacy was used to anchor the study. Cross-sectional survey technique using purposive sampling method was adopted.  Eight grandmothers aged between 65 and 85 years, with no formal education, that ‘acquired literacy skill’ after the age of fifty that were willing to provide required information were purposively sampled for the study using a set of standardized interview guide.  Information obtained focused mainly on respondents’ socio-economic characteristics and perceived benefits of the literacy. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics while qualitative data were content analyzed.  The study identified quest for personal fulfilment as the most common reason for acquiring literacy skills; 75% of the respondents acquired their literacy skills through their children /grandchildren while 25% acquired same through faith-based Non-Governmental Organizations; all (100%) acquired skills in basic arithmetic plus reading and writing in Yoruba language; all (100%) reported ability to read, write and send messages on mobile phones; most common challenge was fear of being mocked by ‘teachers’; all (100%) reported significant benefits in terms of: feeling less bored as leisure hours are devoted to literature reading; being more informed; being able to keep records and personal diaries; being able to write private letters and messages; being able to use drugs as prescribed; being more mentally alert; and being able to guide their grandchildren in their academic  assignments. Major challenge centred on absence of adequate reading materials for their age group.  It was concluded that literacy is perceived to be beneficial to the aged women in the study area.  Strategies were proposed to enhance aged women participation in literacy programmes and improve their access to reading materials relevant to their age.

Key Words: Literacy, Numeracy, Illiteracy, Perceived benefits, Grandmother