A Neurologist, Dr Favour Abiola, has called for sustained action to protect senior citizens and ensure they continue to enjoy security, respect and meaningful participation in society.
Dr Abiola, a Brain Health Analyst at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Yaba, made the call in an interview with reporters on Monday in Lagos.
She called for greater protection of older persons, particularly those living with dementia and other cognitive disorders, warning that they remain highly vulnerable to abuse, neglect and exploitation.
According to her, there should be deliberate efforts to create safe spaces for older persons to thrive in society.
The neurologist urged families, healthcare professionals, caregivers, communities and governments to work together to safeguard the rights and dignity of senior citizens.
She expressed concern that older adults with dementia often face increased risks of mistreatment because cognitive impairment may limit their ability to recognise abuse, report incidents or defend themselves.
Protecting vulnerable seniors, she said, should be regarded as a collective responsibility rather than a burden borne solely by families.
“As a neurologist and someone committed to brain health, I am particularly concerned about older adults living with conditions such as dementia or memory loss, because they are especially vulnerable to exploitation and neglect.
“The society as a whole should be more committed to protecting their rights and safety,” she said.
Abiola noted that older persons traditionally occupy respected positions in society as custodians of wisdom, culture and communal values.
She, however, observed that changing family structures, economic pressures, urban migration and weak social support systems have left many elderly people increasingly isolated and vulnerable.
She stressed that respect for older persons should not be confined to cultural expressions but must be demonstrated through deliberate actions that promote their welfare, protect their rights and ensure their inclusion in society.
The neurologist called on Nigerians to pay closer attention to the warning signs of elder abuse and neglect, while encouraging communities to create supportive environments where older adults can live safely and with dignity.
She also advocated stronger legal frameworks and reporting mechanisms to address cases of elder abuse, stressing the need for effective enforcement of laws designed to protect senior citizens.
Abiola urged policymakers to invest in age-friendly community services, healthy ageing programmes and social inclusion initiatives that improve the quality of life of older persons.
She noted that caregivers should also receive greater support, given the emotional, physical and financial challenges often associated with caring for ageing family members.
“Every older person deserves to age with dignity, safety, respect and purpose,” she said.
According to her, the way society treats its elderly population is a reflection of its values and commitment to justice and human dignity.
Abiola called on senior citizens to always speak out against injustice and mistreatment whenever they encounter it, adding that growing old should never mean becoming invisible, voiceless or vulnerable.
“Hence, the need for sustained collective action to protect older persons and ensure they continue to enjoy security, respect and meaningful participation in society,” she said.
