From Cyriacus Nnaji, Lagos
Professor of Sociology (Social Gerontologist, Gender and Development Studies) Lagos State University, Olanrewaju Emmanuel Ajiboye, has urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to formulate policies that ensure social security, prompt pension payment to enhance aging gracefully.
Professor Olanrewaju Ajiboye took the stance while delivering the institution’s 121st Inaugural Lecture at the Buba Marwa Auditorium at the Main Campus at Ojo on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
The titled of the lecture, “That We May Age Gracefully: A Social Gerontologist’s X-ray of Later Life” was timely as the nation’s life expectancy continues to depreciate.
In his recommendations he said “Government should strengthen Social Security & Pensions, ensure financial security through robust, accessible pension schemes to alleviate poverty, subsidize Healthcare and Geriatric Care, while not forgetting to make medical services, including specialized geriatric care, affordable and reduce long wait times for older persons.”
He also called for the Implementation of National Policies on Ageing: “Enact and enforce policies that guarantee the rights, dignity, and active participation of older persons.
“Invest in Public Infrastructure: Provide accessible, safe, and affordable housing and public recreational facilities for older adults,” he added.
Professor Ajiboye also called for Support Elder Abuse Prevention which would go a long way in ensuring protective services and helplines to prevent and address elder abuse.
The erudite professor said that growing old gracefully means embracing the ageing process with dignity, positivity, and self-acceptance, rather than fighting it, adding that growing old gracefully involves maintaining physical and mental health, adapting to life’s changes with resilience, fostering gratitude, and living authentically, rather than focusing solely on maintaining a youthful appearance.
He added that Growing old should not be dreaded or something that should cause you unnecessary stress. “Instead, it should make you happy and can bring you a new sense of pleasure, if only you let it be.”
He said that supporting older persons to age gracefully requires a multifaceted approach involving personal, familial, community, and governmental action, adding that key strategies focus on promoting independence, ensuring safety, fostering social connection, and providing necessary health and financial resources To Individual (Self-Care for Aging) Prioritize Physical Activity: Engage in regular, gentle exercises like walking, yoga, or water aerobics to maintain mobility, strength, and balance.
He further stated that there is also need for Nutritious Diet and Hydration: Consume balanced, nutrient-dense foods (fruits, vegetables, lean protein) and stay hydrated to support body function; Mental Stimulation: Keep the mind active through reading, learning new skills, or engaging in hobbies to reduce the risk of cognitive decline; Maintain Social Connections: Actively fight loneliness by staying in touch with friends, family, and joining social groups; and Proactive Health Management in which case one is expected to attend regular check-ups, manage chronic conditions, and utilize assistive devices (glasses, hearing aids, walkers) as needed.
He said that the elderly should Develop positive mindset and acceptance, “View ageing as a natural, rewarding process rather than a decline. Be open and receptive- change your attitude and you will change your life.
“Prioritise health and wellness. Older persons must prioritise physical activities, good nutrition, and mental stimulation to maintain quality of life. A busy mind is a happy mind. By staying physically and mentally active, you will lift your spirits and will age gracefully.
“Maintain emotional resilience – You must adapt to life transitions, maintaining humour regarding limitations, and nurturing relationships. Become authentic and realistic – Ageing gracefully can mean letting go of societal pressures, embracing your own natural beauty, and living according to your own values. Laugh and have fun time.
“Don’t take life too seriously. By having fun and not taking life too seriously, you can lift your mood and make yourself and others happy. Redefine your Value: This involves shifting focus from youth-oriented standards to the wisdom and experience gained over time. Don’t be too introverted. Share your burdens with those, who love and care about you. This is not to say that you should be a worry wart, but by revealing your innermost thoughts and feelings, you can positively affect your mental state.
“Pursue stimulating activities – Figure out the things that you enjoy doing and do more of them. For instance, if you enjoy spending quality time with your children and grandchildren, plan play dates or other activities with them. Brush up your knowledge. An educated mind is a happy mind. By expanding your learning horizons, you can become happier and enjoy graceful ageing. Spend quality time with loved ones.
“As you are growing older, you must realise that you need more time to spend with those, who love you and those you love. Plan more social activities (dinner, lunch, breakfast, etc) for family and friends so that you can spend quality time with the people that mean the most to you. Endeavour to touch people’s lives in one way or the other. Remember that little things mean a lot. Do something nice for someone and you will feel good about yourself. Spend time with a friend or ailing relative or engage in some form of volunteer activity,” he revealed.
Professor Ajiboye also advocated maintaining a positive mental attitude. “Do not vegetate just because you are growing old. This is the fastest way to breakdown. Maintain a youthful attitude. Take up some hobbies and remain active mentally and physically. Maintain an internal state of being confident, comfortable, and contented as you advance in age,” he said.
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