Researchers Harp On Govt Policies To Safeguard Older People In Nigeria

The researchers at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, urged the government to strengthen family and community support, improve access to healthcare, and implement targeted policies to safeguard older Nigerians.

Speaking during the research dissemination programme on social support networks and quality of life of octogenarians in Nigeria, Professor Bonke Adepeju Omoteso, the principal investigator, said the study, conducted between 2021 and 2023 across Osun, Oyo, Benue and Imo states, revealed a lack of formal social support for elderly citizens.

“The study is about the social support that is needed for our elderly people to live meaningfully in the later stages of their lives, we discovered that in Nigeria, we don’t take much cognizance of the healthy living of our elderly people. Formal and institutional systems remain largely inadequate. Psychological vulnerability, accessibility barriers, and policy weaknesses place octogenarians at heightened risk, particularly as traditional family structures continue to erode.” Prof. Omoteso said.

The research, sponsored by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), also revealed that most elderly Nigerians rely almost entirely on family care, leaving them exposed to neglect, poverty, and limited access to essential services.

Dr Akinjide Akintomide, a member of the research team, emphasized the gaps in government policy and implementation. “Although a National Policy on Ageing exists, its implementation remains weak, underfunded, and largely generic, failing to address the specific needs of octogenarians,” he said.

“Critical gaps were noted in geriatric healthcare, income security, housing, legal protection, and data systems. Existing interventions were fragmented, urban-centred, and heavily dependent on non-governmental and faith-based organisations, raising concerns about sustainability and equity.”

The researchers recommended urgent reforms, including strengthening family and community support systems, improving healthcare access, promoting economic empowerment through income-generating activities, and creating elderly-friendly infrastructure.

Medical practitioners at the event, including Dr Seye Okunola, Dr Kolawole Aliu, Dr Omoyemiju Michael Adeniyi, and Mr Seye Adesokun, also advised elderly citizens to prioritise regular checkups, healthy diets, exercise, and social engagement to prevent isolation and maintain well-being.