Why our older adults have been neglected? -By Usman Babangida

Why our elderly people have been neglected in our communities?

An sight from Sociology of Age(social gerontology)

What then is elderly?
Conventionally, “elderly” has been defined as a chronological age of 65 years old or older, while those from 65 through 74 years old are referred to as “early elderly” and those over 75 years old as “late elderly.” However, the evidence on which this definition is based is unknown.Aging is a gradual, continuous process of natural change that begins in early adulthood. During early middle age, many bodily functions begin to gradually decline. However, people do not become old or elderly at any specific age. Traditionally, age 65 has been designated as the beginning of old age. But the reason was based in history, not biology. Many years ago, age 65 was chosen as the age for retirement in Germany, the first nation to establish a retirement program, and it continues to be the retirement age for most people in developed societies, although this tradition is changing.
Furthermore,The number of elderly is growing around the world chiefly because more children reach adulthood and people are living longer,This can be partly be attributed to better living conditions because of the improvement of quality of life made possible by advancement in technology.In Nigeria the elderly constitutes a segment of the population that’s not only productive but very influential to the nation’s development,this can be seen in the socio cultural,socio-economic and political aspects of the society. Therefore, the elderly should be well integrated into nation’s plans and policies. The priorities and plans of the elderly May differ from those of younger or middle-aged adults which will require creative use of limited available resources.

Throughout history,other adults have been greatly valued for the experience, insight and wisdom they can share with others. Leadership is frequently bestowed upon older adults because of social belief that wisdom and experience are acquired over time.However, conferrin respect and responsibilities to older adults has not always been consistent. It tends to occur more in pre-industrial or agrarian societies where families are intergenerational and members are dependent on one another for survival and support. In industrial societies, older adults are generally less valued than they’re in agrarian societies.In most instances their counsel is considered by the younger persons as “Old school”or “Old fashioned”. For example, substance abuse is a critical problem in the contemporary Nigerian society, however,when the elders advice/counsel the younger persons who engaged themselves in that social problem of drugs abuse,the younger persons will try to against it and they will not consider such advice.The fact is that,such counseling has been driven more by experiences.

To be continued 🙏