Medical professionals specializing in elderly care are calling on the Federal Government to enact and enforce stronger laws to protect senior citizens from abuse. This plea follows a recent World Health Organization report projecting that up to 320 million elderly individuals worldwide could be at risk of abuse by 2050.
Experts stress the need for comprehensive policy changes, including the establishment of more elderly care homes, increased funding, and the enforcement of laws designed to prevent abuse. They also advocate for better training for caregivers and enhanced support services to protect the elderly in various settings, including homes and care facilities.
Dr. Stephen Okonkwo, a private geriatrician at Spring City Hospital, Ogidi, Anambra State, emphasized the importance of specific laws to address elder abuse. “While Nigeria has some existing laws, it’s crucial to have specific regulations that ensure perpetrators face legal consequences,” he said. He highlighted that elder abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, and financial abuse, and even neglect.
Dr. Okonkwo also called for increased community awareness through educational campaigns to inform the public about the signs of elder abuse and the importance of respecting older individuals. “Community engagement and local leaders’ involvement in these campaigns are essential to changing cultural attitudes that may normalize or ignore abuse,” he added.
Dr. Cynthia Okafor, founder of the Vision Home and Consultant Gynaecologist at Epe General Hospital, Lagos, shared her experience dealing with elderly women who had been sexually abused and abandoned by their families. She emphasized the need for education and awareness to combat such issues and ensure that the elderly receive the care and respect they deserve.
The WHO report highlights that approximately one in six people aged 60 and older experienced some form of abuse in the past year, with higher rates of abuse reported in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. The organization projects that the global population of people aged 60 and older will double by 2050, making the issue of elder abuse a pressing public health concern.
Medical practitioners urge the government to strengthen protective measures, develop support systems for the elderly, and promote community involvement to prevent abuse and ensure a dignified life for senior citizens.