AGING refers to the latter years of every creature. The process involves some benefits and costs. King Solomon explained the aging process pungently in Eccl 12(1-7) and advised on the need for redeeming the time wisely, by serving God and walking with Him before old age and its consequences. In Genesis 47 vs. 7-9, Jacob replied to Pharaoh's question, saying "I have traveled (aged) 130 hard years..." From the above, we can easily deduce that the aging process has benefits and challenges. And from Joseph's example, we learn that there is a need for the aging generation to be looked after properly. Socrates also gave a thought-provoking opinion on the aging process, as thus - "I regard the aged as travelers who have gone on a journey which we too may have to inquire about, whether the way is smooth and easy or rugged and difficult"

In our country, in the pre-independence years and up to about 1990s, there was communal living, love, care, and empathy, hence looking after the aging generation was not really a big issue. Those days, occupations were predominantly farming, trading, artisan works. So, people were always around and accessible to help the needy older generation. Children were also not far away, unlike now that several successful children and relatives are in the diaspora where they are busy making their living and raising their families. But even now, some within the age group 25-49 years old who are within the country and are happy to care for the aged are still facing the challenges of unemployment, underemployment, inadequate remuneration, and several financial constraints.

In settings like Nigeria, other issues militating against good care of the elderly include poor or non-existent infrastructures, poor housing, inefficient or non-existent public services such as health, transportation, sanitation, potable water, energy, etc. Furthermore, irregular or nonpayment of pension/gratuity and salaries to retirees and their adult children respectively also constitute serious impediments. Another important issue is unresolved conflicts between parents and their adult children, unforgiveness, poor safeguarding facilities and policies, and poor societal attitude towards the aging generation.

In view of the current situation in Africa, and Nigeria in particular, the recommendations below are based on the assumption that the aged are also to be involved in looking after themselves and others too -

RECOMMENDATIONS:

That people should prepare ahead of the aging period being conscious that each birthday draws us closer to aging. Prevention is not only better but also cheaper than cure! Lifestyle modifications, healthy choices, and careful financial/economic plans are great preparatory tools.

For instance, old people can manage their health well by taking their food as medications and not medications as food. Healthy food items like pap, amala, beans, fruits, and vegetables need to be carefully planned and executed. Eat fish, snails and drink at least three litres of potable water daily. The aged should also be accommodated in a healthy environment without noise pollution, not flood-prone. Engage in regular physical exercises as much as their bodies can tolerate and in a safe environment.

Where practicable, pollutants like insecticides, pesticides, and other dangerous chemicals should be avoided. Organic vegetables should be coveted and it is advisable that soup should not be overcooked. Oral and dental health should also be factored in. Using varieties of chewing sticks once or twice a week may be beneficial. Healthy relationships in communities, home towns, religious organizations should be embraced.

Where possible, elderly people are advised to use health facilities that are efficient, competent, and compassionate so as to avoid spending several hours in health care outfits that uncaring, inefficient and lacking empathy. It is certainly more beneficial and economically sensible to spend ₦10,000 in a very good private specialist clinic and get back home within two hours rather than paying ₦2,000 in an unfriendly, uncooperative, time-wasting, and frustrating public facility. Moreover, they should be conscious of the need to avoid endangering their eyes through prolonged usage of mobile phones, laptop, tv, and other gadgets. Where possible, they should avoid okada (motorcycles) and unnecessary trips outside their base, because the days are dangerous, especially in our clime.

Fractures, lacerations etc should be avoided as much as possible. As enjoined by the Holy Bible, the aged should endeavour to love his/her neighbours as himself/herself. It means the aged should also love and care for themselves very well - so aging sports enthusiasts need to watch their passions in view of their health and wellness. Also, always carry their prescribed medications along when traveling, especially outside their base. Avoid self-medication and always procure medications from certified chemist/pharmacy outlets.

Children should be properly trained to recognise the need for prudent management of limited resources so as to enable them to settle down early in life, this will give them leverage to care well and nurture their own children and also have time and resources for the aging generation. It should be emphasized that sending funds to old people can't cater for their greatest needs of love and close relationships.

Endeavour to take reasonable care and responsibilities at all times. It is a time to be watchful, prayerful, and act wisely - it's indeed not a period for heroic exploits, not a time to impress anybody to one's discomfort/danger. Just do your best by utilizing God's grace and enablement to impact more positively on humanity and leave the world a better place than you met it. The Yoruba capture this well: "agba kii wa loja kori omo tuntun o wo" meaning that "the presence of elders/aged in the communities enables that the young ones are guided and safeguarded”. Let us always bear in mind that "life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breathes away" obtained through Mary Angelou's writing.

Our government should be persuaded to make and implement relevant laws that will cater for and ameliorate the challenges facing the aging population. The government across all levels should as a matter of utmost priority set up viable and efficient welfare programs which may include aging people's homes, with adequate personnel and facilities to cater for our aged people whose children, relatives are inaccessible and/or incapable of catering for their old family members.

Relatives, children and friends should endeavour to keep the company of the aged in order to avoid loneliness and its adverse effects.

The young generation should practice taking their children and spouse to visit and care for their own aged parents thereby making them to learn and imbibe the culture of caring for the older generation otherwise such children would not be able to care when their own parents grow old.

Pray, watch and do all the needful to cooperate with God and APPROPRIATE His grace and mercy TO live healthily long to impact more positively on humanity and fulfill your destiny.