Educational and social welfare programs for older populations in Nigeria

Aging populations are growing at a fast rate. The situation is not different in Nigeria, although variations exist among nations. The growing number of older people has implications for social and economic development of the world, especially in developing economies, which have to spend more in the social sector than economic sector. This paper presents analyses of the growing trends in aging populations in the world as well as the trend in Nigeria, discusses the causes and implications of this growth, and suggests educational and welfare programs that can assist in addressing the problems associated with elderly people. Among the programs recommended are adult literacy, health education, skill development, professional training, women's education, retirement and pre-retirement education, social welfare, and the involvement of non-governmental organizations in provision of assistance to old people. The paper cautions against sending elderly people to old people's homes in Nigeria, because it is against our culture and, instead, recommends the establishment of day care institutions with facilities for learning, enjoying leisure, and recreation. It is hoped that this will prevent alienation associated with life in an old people's home.