Dr. Ogugua Osi-Ogbu, a Consultant Physician and Geriatrician at the National Hospital in Abuja, has advised Nigerian citizens to refrain from discriminating against the elderly, highlighting the importance of providing them with proper care and attention.

During an event organized for the elderly in Abuja, the healthcare professional conveyed this message to the News Agency of Nigeria. The event was hosted by Axios Senior Citizens Foundation, a non-governmental organization, to mark the 2024 Intergenerational Week celebrated annually from April 24 to May 1.

Osi-Ogbu stressed the need for a policy framework that safeguards the elderly instead of subjecting them to discrimination, highlighting the significance of involving older individuals in decision-making processes. She encouraged senior citizens to advocate for their rights and demand 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 emphasized.

Osi-Ogbu highlighted the multiple difficulties faced by elderly individuals, such as eye conditions like glaucoma and cataracts, stressing the importance of regular medical screenings once they turn 40.

The doctor clarified that glaucoma is caused by elevated pressure in the eyes and can result in blindness if not detected early, similar to cataracts.

She stressed that sight loss should not be seen as a natural part of aging, noting that various other illnesses could lead to blindness later in life.

The geriatrician emphasized the essential role of accessible healthcare in preventing age-related ailments.

Osi-Ogbu also informed attendees about strategies to prevent hearing loss in older age, emphasizing that this is a common issue among seniors.

She advised individuals to steer clear from noisy settings, as prolonged exposure to loud noise can harm hearing.

The physician mentioned that the World Health Organization is prioritizing healthy aging and highlighting the global rise in the elderly population.

As per Osi-Ogbu, it is projected that Nigeria will have around 30 million seniors aged 60 and above by 2050, with the objective being to maintain their health and vitality, ensuring good vision, hearing, and mobility.

She urged the public not to disregard older individuals grappling with joint problems, which are referred to as degenerative joint diseases and are prevalent challenges in the elderly.

The doctor explained that such conditions impact various body parts, making it challenging to walk or move easily.

She underscored the significance of providing assistive devices to elderly individuals with joint issues to help them overcome their limitations and actively contribute to society.

Earlier on, the founder of ASCF, Mrs. Murjanatu Habibu, elucidated that the global Intergenerational Week aims to bridge generational gaps and create a world where traditional wisdom meets modern innovation.

Represented by ASCF President Alhaji Aliyu Shiru, she emphasized the value of intergenerational bonds and highlighted the importance of the celebration for the foundation.