INTERNATIONAL DAY OF OLD PEOPLE: NGO CALLS FOR POLICIES ON WELFARE

 

The Executive Director, Global Knights Foundation, Mrs Ngozi John-Uya has called on all stakeholders to promote the rights and integrity of the aging population

She made this call today in Abuja at her event to commemorate the 2022 international day for older persons, with the theme “Resilience of Older Persons in a Changing World”.

She pointed out that the plight of older persons on  issues of non-payment of pensions, health challenges, and outright discrimination in the country needs serious solutions.

She said that Nigeria should emulate advanced countries on welfare of old people because promoting the rights of older persons is an opportunity for inclusion, wellness and sustainability for old people.

Mrs Uya said that her group is strengthening partnership with the national commission for senior citizens to ensure that challenges such as transport, healthcare, are addressed in a holistic approach.

She called for more advocacy to ensure that the right institutions and policies are in place to promote the rights of older persons.

The Panelists Dr Nimi Walson-Jack and Mr Simon Patrick-Obi called for care centers and strong policies to protect the rights and needs of older persons, saying that discrimination affect them psychologically.

They expressed optimism that the national commission for older persons will set up the centres to make retirement years comfortable for older persons.

A wellness expert, Mrs Vickie Ojochide said that people should inculcate the habit of preparing for old age on time because diet and lifestyle have ways of affecting people later in life.

She listed issues of dehydration, toxins overload, nutrient deficiency and emotional trauma as challenges to wellness for older persons.