By Shina Abubakar Osogbo

The Social Network Research Group of Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife, Osun State, has revealed that Nigeria’s policy system for the protection of elderly persons remains weak and inadequate.

The group added that the weakness of these policies expose aged persons to heightened risks and a poor quality of life.

Speaking at an event held in Ile-Ife, the Principal Investigator, Professor Bonke Omoteso, said the study, conducted between 2021 and 2023, examined the living conditions and well-being of elderly citizens aged 80 years and above in four states including Osun, Oyo, Benue, and Imo.

Professor Omoteso explained that the research, sponsored by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), was carried out by an 11-member multidisciplinary team comprising nine staff members of OAU, one from Adamawa State University, and another from Imo State University.

According to her, the study is about the social support that is needed for our elderly people to live meaningfully in the later stages of their lives. The research was carried out by 11 people. Nine staff members from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, a staff member from Adamawa State University, and the last person was from Imo State University.

“The research was carried out in Osun, Oyo, Benue, and Imo states. During our findings, we looked at the quality of life of elderly people in these four states.

“We discovered that in Nigeria, we don’t take much cognizance of the healthy living of our elderly people. We also discovered that there is no social support system for elderly people in Nigeria.”

She, however noted that family-based support remains the backbone of octogenarians’ quality of life in Nigeria, while formal and institutional systems are largely weak.

She stressed the strengthening of family support systems, community-based care, and the introduction of targeted, well-funded policy interventions to protect the dignity and well-being of Nigeria’s elderly population.

She further called for improved access to healthcare services, economic empowerment through income-generating activities, increased community engagement, and the development of elderly-friendly infrastructure across the country.

Meanwhile, a member of the research team, Dr Akinjide Akintomide of OAU, said the study uncovered significant shortcomings in Nigeria’s approach to elderly care.

“Although a National Policy on Ageing exists, its implementation remains weak, underfunded and largely generic, failing to address the specific needs of octogenarians,” he noted.