HEALTHY AGING IN IRRUA-EKPOMA, EDO STATE, NIGERIA

In Nigeria, those aged 65 and above make up 3.1% or 5.9 million of the total population of 190 million Nigerians (Population Reference Bureau, 2012). The care of the elderly population starts within each local community and then to the State and National level.

Presented by:
Gift Olema Oputteh in conjunction with Precious Gems (UK)

INTRODUCTION
In Nigeria, those aged 65 and above make up 3.1% or 5.9 million of the total population of 190 million Nigerians (Population Reference Bureau, 2012). The care of the elderly population starts within each local community and then to the State and National level.

KEY INFLUENCES

  • Poverty
  • Lack of good health care
  • No retirement planning

KEY CHALLENGES

  • Inaccessible health care
  • Lack of potable water and water borne diseases
  • Poor housing and lack of caregivers
A motorcyclist navigating a muddy road surrounded by lush greenery and scattered debris.A child runs alongside a woman pushing a wheelbarrow on a dirt path, surrounded by greenery under a cloudy sky.

LOW SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS
These photos show two elderly persons – a man and a woman – doing hard labour in difficult environments to make ends meet. Women are even more vulnerable.

A small building surrounded by overgrown grass and trees, with a sign at the entrance, indicating it serves as a health center.

POOR ACCESS TO GOOD HEALTH CARE
Bad roads and a poor transportation system make it difficult to access health services and restrict access to what is good. Understaffed, poorly funded primary health care facilities. Health care providers are inaccessible and basic drugs are not available.

A motorcyclist navigating a muddy road surrounded by lush greenery and scattered debris.

LACK OF RETIREMENT PLANS
Here an elderly man is taking his produce from the farmland to the market using a motorcycle.

A yellow building with an arched entrance, labeled as a primary health center, surrounded by greenery under a bright sky.

INACCESSIBLE HEALTHCARE
To get to the health center, elderly villagers must travel by any means necessary on bad roads.

A woman collects water from a shallow pool while carrying a child on her back, surrounded by greenery.
Lack of portable water and water borne diseases
An old, weathered structure with a rusty roof, surrounded by sparse greenery and open land, alongside a taller building and water tank.An elderly woman sitting indoors, wearing a white sleeveless shirt, with a patterned skirt, surrounded by a simple, rustic environment.

POOR HOUSING AND LACK OF CAREGIVERS
The elderly woman in this photo lives alone in a dilapidated home with no one to care for her.

A health fair scene with individuals receiving medical check-ups, including blood pressure measurements, in an outdoor setting.

Signs of Hope
“Catch them young” – early care and treatment are key. Free medical rural outreaches are important for reaching the geriatric population.

A woman in traditional attire speaks earnestly with a man wearing a lab coat in a brightly lit classroom.

Signs of Hope
One-on-one counseling session during a rural medical outreach.

A vibrant scene of people gathering, showcasing a mix of traditional clothing and communal interaction during a festive occasion.

Signs of Hope
The message here: “You are not forgotten, help has come.” TouchingLives@Christmas, a local NGO distributes gifts and supplies to elderly residents of the community.

An elderly woman in colorful attire and a yellow head wrap uses a cane while moving through a room with plastic chairs.A woman and a man, both in traditional attire, stand together outdoors holding a young child, surrounded by greenery.

Signs of Hope
Three generations together: father, daughter, and grandson. Grandma still goes to church to participate with the church’s local choir. This maintains physical activity, prevents a sedentary lifestyle, and gives social support.

An elderly woman wearing a colorful traditional outfit and head wrap stands with a cane in a gathering space.A group of women engaged in a worship service, with one woman prominently praying, dressed in colorful traditional attire.
SOCIAL SUPPORT NETWORKS – CHURCH, FRIENDS, SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
Two women walk on a busy street, one in a colorful dress and headscarf, the other in a yellow shirt.

BUILT ENVIRONMENT – RECREATIONAL FACILITIES & PLACES TO WALK
For those who are able and have the desire, accessible recreational facilities make it easier for them to exercise and be physically active. Physical activity helps to alleviate some medical conditions common in old age such as osteoarthritis, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension.

HEALTHY AGING IN IRRUA-EKPOMA, EDO STATE, NIGERIA

Conclusion
Aging is an important stage of life. The health and well being of its geriatric population should be every country's pride.

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