This paper examines the changing philosophy of the traditional care and support of the elderly in South-Western Nigeria. The
method of inquiry was basically qualitative through focus group discussions (12 sessions) with some elderly persons (60 years
and above) and in-depth interviews (I2 sessions) with some prime age adults. The findings showed that the perception of people
towards the elderly was quite different from what it used to be in the past. The values placed on the elderly were diminishing, and
also the perception of their contribution to development.