Josephine Anenih, the former, minister of women affairs has called on government to establish policies geared towards improving the living conditions of the elderly in the society.
Anenih who is the founder/executive director of Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation (ADF) made the call at a three-day training program organised by the foundation with the theme, “Citizens’ led action for the care of the elderly in Nigeria”, in Benin City.
She however, expressed concern over the neglect of elderly persons in the society by government.
While noting that aging was not a disease, she stated that the only way to take care of the elderly is when policies are developed to include them into socio-economic activities in the society.
In his remarks, George Andreas, Executive Director, Geriatric Care and Vulnerable Support Initiative, (GCVSI) urged Nigerians to exploit the new global practice on geriatric care.
According to him, the rights of older persons have been violated hence it is imperative to provide social protection policies and social interventions programs for elderly persons.
“Government should set up a special health scheme for older persons, provide access to micro credit schemes and improve infrastructure for the elderly,” he said.
He however, advocated for the establishment of policies geared towards the inclusion of elderly persons into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) so as to have easy access to healthcare.
CHURCHILL OKORO, Benin
