The population of Nigerians above the age of 60 years is expected to hit 30 million by the year 20150, with a global figure projected at 2 billion for the same year.

The Dave Omokaro Foundation (DOF) which stated this in Abuja yesterday, lamented the absence of clear cut health and welfare policies for the nation’s aged population.

Coordinator of the DOF, Dr. Emem Okokaro said only four percent of this category of Nigerians are covered by the existing pension scheme, owing to the informal nature of the economic system.

According to her, more than 90 percent of the aged are in the rural areas and they usually sink into abject poverty and want the moment the lose the strength to earn a living.

Stressing the inevitability of population ageing, Dr. Omokaro called on government and other stakeholders to develop political, economic and social reforms needed to adapt to an ageing world.

She canvassed dignity, and security for the aged and opportunities for them to enjoy access to essential social and healthcare facilities and minimum income through the implementation of national social protection floors.

Dr. Omokaro also urged stakeholders to put in place social investments that extend the autonomy and independence of older people, prevent impoverishment in old age and contribute to a more healthy ageing.

She continued, “These actions should be based on a long term vision and supported by a strong political commitment and a secured budget that prevents negative impacts in time of crisis of governmental changes.

“Policies should also encourage communities and families to develop support systems which ensure that frail older persons receive the long term care they need and promote active and healthy ageing at the local level to facilitate ageing in place.

“We should invest in young people today by promoting healthy habits and ensuring education and employment opportunities, access to health services and social security coverage for all workers as the best investment to improve the lives of future generations of older persons.

“Flexible employment, lifelong learning and retraining opportunities should be promoted to facilitate the integration in the labour market of current generations of older persons”.

Dr. Omokaro said the Foundation, in collaboration with a coalition of civil society organisations, was already working on a bill for the ageing population and that the bill would be sent to the National Assembly any time soon.

(Source: The Nation)