Understanding the challenges of older people with multiple needs in Christian worship centres in Nigeria

Purpose The increasing population of older people in Nigeria presents significant challenges for Christian worship centres, many of which are inadequately prepared to address the multiple and interconnected needs of ageing congregants. While churches are expected to provide spiritual, emotional, and social support, many older adults continue to experience barriers related to physical accessibility, health situations, mobility limitations, sensory impairments, financial hardship, social isolation and inadequate pastoral care, this study aims to examine the challenges of older people with multiple needs in Christian worship centres in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted an exploratory design. Data were based on interviews conducted with some aged people in selected churches, including Deeper Life Church, Chosen, Mountain of Fire, and Anglican Church. All the informants are either elderly or related to elderly people. A total of 15 informants were used, and key informant interviews were adopted as contained in Table 1. The study made use of purposive sampling. All the narratives were compiled. They were thematically analysed in line with the research questions. Findings Findings reveal emergent themes such as (i) older people classified as witches or wizards, (ii) inaccessible church infrastructure, (iii) communication barriers with hearing and visual impairments, (iv) social exclusion in church services and (v) poor acoustics. Research limitations/implications The findings cannot be generalised to all churches or denominations. Also, the study relied on the experiences and perceptions of older church members, therefore, the perspectives of church leaders, caregivers and healthcare professionals were not incorporated. In addition, the exploratory nature of the study did not permit statistical analysis of the prevalence or severity of the identified challenges. Despite these limitations, the study contributes to the growing body of literature on ageing, religion and social inclusion in Nigeria by providing empirical evidence on the lived experiences of older people with multiple needs in Christian worship settings. Practical implications The findings have important practical implications for churches, church leaders, policy makers and organisations working with older adults. Christian worship centres should adopt age friendly and disability inclusive practices by improving physical accessibility through ramps, handrails, accessible seating, appropriate lighting and hearing assistance systems. Churches should also develop structured pastoral care programmes that include regular home visitation, counselling and health outreach, transportation support and social welfare services for older members with multiple needs. It is also important for training programmes to be organised for clergy, church workers, and volunteers on geriatric care, disability inclusion, and effective communication with older persons. Social implications This study has significant social implications because it draws attention to the often overlooked challenges experienced by older people within Christian worship communities. By exposing issues such as stigmatisation through accusations of witchcraft, social exclusion, inaccessible infrastructure, and communication barriers, the study advocates for greater respect for the dignity, rights, and inclusion of older adults. The findings encourage churches to become centres of compassion, justice and social support where ageing members are valued rather than marginalised. More broadly, the study contributes to public discussions on healthy ageing, disability inclusion, and social justice in Nigeria. Originality/value This study examined the multiple needs of older people within Christian worship centres in Nigeria, an area that has received limited empirical attention. While previous studies have largely focused on the economic, psychological and healthcare challenges of older adults, this research explores how physical, social, communicative, barriers affect older people. It strongly contributes to the areas of gerontology and disability study by providing qualitative evidence from the lived experiences of older church members. Previously underexplored issues including the stigmatisation of older persons as witches or wizards, poor church acoustics, inaccessible worship environments, and communication barriers affects older people.