Nigeria Among Worst Places For Old People -- Report

Nigeria has been described as one of the worst places to grow old,
this is according to an index of the quality of later life in 96
countries.

HelpAge International's Global AgeWatch Index measures the social and
economic welfare of those over 60 in its latest report released on
Tuesday.

HelpAge International is an organisation committed to helping older
people to claim their rights, challenge discrimination and overcome
poverty, so they can lead dignified, secure, active and healthy lives.

The report published on the United Nations International Day of Older
Persons, ranks Nigeria at 85th position out of 96 countries.

"Nigeria ranks 85 on the overall Global AgeWatch Index. Its highest
rank is in the capability domain (47), with a lower than regional
average for the employment indicator (70.6%) and a higher than
regional average for educational attainment (17.4%).

"Nigeria ranks low in the enabling environment domain (75) and below
the regional average for civic freedom (53%) and satisfaction with
public transport (42%). Its rank for the health domain is very low
(88) and it has a below regional average for the life expectancy at 60
indicator. It ranks lowest on the income security domain (90), with
very low pension income coverage (5%) and GDP per capita (US$ 2,254),"
the report noted.

The HelpAge listed Ekiti and Osun as the only states in the country
providing social pensions to older people. It added that only five per
cent of people over 65 currently receive pension in Nigeria.

Commenting on the employment of older people, the organisation noted
that 70 per cent of the population aged 55-64 are employed, adding
that the indicator measures older people's access to the labour market
and their ability to supplement pension income with wages, and their
access to work-related networks.

According to the report, the employment rate is a proxy for the
economic empowerment of older people in the country.

--PUNCH