The Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria (COSROPIN) on Sunday called on government at all levels, to establish day-care centres for older persons in the country.
Sen. Eze Ajoku, President of the Coalition, made the call during a hang out of the coalition with older persons in Abuja.
Ajoku described daycare centres for older persons as recreation centres, where older persons could interact with their peers, as well as have fun for good health and longer life.
“This is very good. That is why we have been prevailing on government to have day- care centres, where old people can go and interact in the day and then go back to their homes in the evening.
“There, they will meet their peers to be able to interact, so that they don’t feel abandoned or isolated in homes, where they are confined to only watch the television and all that.
“We want government to be able to start programmes that would provide relaxation for older persons,” he said.
The coalition president who reiterated the commitment of the group to the wellbeing of older persons, urged government to facilitate plans for old people’s centres, in states and local governments.
Mrs. Victoria Onu, Secretary General of the group, said that older persons deserved the best, while calling on younger persons to pay attention to them.
“Our older persons deserve the best and young people need to pay attention to their parents, grandparents and the society needs to wake up to their responsibilities.
“The medical check-up is very important and COSROPIN believes in the health of older persons.
That is why we have at least two webinars in a month, centred on medical things that affect the older persons,” Onu said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the hangout, which took place in Mabushi, also witnessed medical checkups, dancing, playing of games, such as Ludo, Drought, Chess and others.
Sourced: NAN
