A Consultant Physician and Geriatrician at the National Hospital, Abuja, Dr Ogugua Osi-Ogbu, has cautioned Nigerians to stop discriminating against the elderly, stressing that they need all the care and attention they can get.
The medical practitioner made this statement while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria at an event organized for the elderly in Abuja.
NAN reports that the event was organised by a non-governmental organisation, Axios Senior Citizens Foundation, to commemorate the 2024 Intergenerational Week, celebrated annually between 24 April and 1 May.
Osi-Ogbu emphasised that instead of discriminating against the ageing group, there should be a deliberate policy framework to guarantee their protection, adding that older people must have a say.
She urged the elderly not to allow others to make decisions for them but to ensure they receive the respect they deserve.
“My general advice when we talk about ageing is to be mindful of what we say to them. We are in a society where people speak negatively about the ageing group.
“They say things like, ‘your time has passed’, ‘why worry about them’, ‘why pay attention to them’. All these are discriminatory and prejudicial. Everyone has rights as long as they are alive. You have the right to freedom of expression, quality healthcare, and even employment if you desire it.
“This set of people must not face discrimination based on age, so the rights of older persons must be preserved. At the community, family, and institutional levels, there must be a deliberate policy framework to protect them,” she stressed.
Osi-Ogbu noted that older people face several challenges such as eye-related conditions like glaucoma and cataracts, and people to undergo regular medical checks once they reach 40 years of age.
The physician explained that glaucoma occurs when the pressure in the eyes is higher than normal and can lead to blindness if not detected early, as can cataracts.
She emphasized that being blind should not be considered an age-related condition, adding that there are other diseases that could cause blindness in the elderly.
The geriatrician said access to healthcare is crucial and would help prevent age-related diseases.
Osi-Ogbu also educated participants at the event on how to prevent hearing loss in old age, emphasizing that it is another common issue seen in older people.
She urged people to avoid exposing themselves to noisy environments, as excessive noise pollution could damage hearing.
The physician noted that the World Health Organization is now focusing on healthy ageing, highlighting the global increase in the ageing populations.
According to Osi-Ogbu, it is predicted that by 2050, there will be approximately 30 million older people aged 60 and above in Nigeria and the goal is to ensure they are healthy and strong, with good eyesight, hearing, and mobility.
She advised the public not to neglect older people with joint issues, which are known as degenerative joint diseases and are also common challenges that occur in the elderly.
The physician explained that such diseases affect various parts of the body, making it difficult to walk or move as before.
She emphasized the importance of providing devices for elderly individuals with joint challenges to overcome their impairments and contribute to society.
Earlier, the founder of ASCF, Mrs Murjanatu Habibu, explained that the global Intergenerational Week is meant to bridge the gap between generations and creating a world where wisdom meets innovation.
Represented by the President of ASCF Alhaji Aliyu Shiru, she underscored the importance of intergenerational connections and noted that the celebration was significant for the foundation.
