Elders Forum Urges Enhanced Healthcare and Social Support for the Elderly

The Elders Forum of the Chief Tony Anenih Geriatric Centre, a geriatric healthcare facility at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, is calling for enhanced healthcare and social support for older persons. According to a report by the Tribune Online, the forum believes that improved healthcare access, stronger social support systems, and greater inclusion of older persons in policymaking are crucial for promoting healthy ageing and improving the quality of life for the elderly. The forum’s call comes at a time when the Nigerian population is ageing rapidly, with the number of citizens aged 60 and above projected to triple from 8.7 million in 2015 to 25.3 million by 2050. This demographic shift, if not properly managed, could exacerbate existing challenges in the healthcare system and social welfare services, particularly for the elderly. The Elders Forum’s advocacy is a welcome development, as it underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to address the unique healthcare and social needs of the elderly in Nigeria.