‘Economic hardship deepening elderly people’s woes’

A Professor of Sociology, Olanrewaju Ajiboye yesterday stated that economic hardship and rising inflation are worsening conditions for Nigeria’s ageing population, limiting their access to basic needs. Ajiboye stated this during the 121st inaugural lecture at Lagos State University, stressing that older Nigerians are increasingly vulnerable as economic growth fails to translate into improved living […]

A Professor of Sociology, Olanrewaju Ajiboye yesterday stated that economic hardship and rising inflation are worsening conditions for Nigeria’s ageing population, limiting their access to basic needs.
Ajiboye stated this during the 121st inaugural lecture at Lagos State University, stressing that older Nigerians are increasingly vulnerable as economic growth fails to translate into improved living standards.
“The soaring inflation, particularly food inflation, and weak economic growth have eroded the purchasing power of the elderly and further exacerbated their vulnerability,” he said.
Delivering a lecture titled, “That we may Age Gracefully: A Social Gerontologist’s X-Ray of Later Life,” he noted that despite Nigeria’s large and growing economy, poverty remains widespread, with older persons disproportionately affected.
Citing recent estimates, he said about 139 million Nigerians—over 60 percent of the population—live in poverty, with rural areas bearing the greatest burden.
According to him, many elderly citizens lack formal social protection and increasingly cannot rely on traditional family support systems.
“Up to 85 per cent of women aged 60 and above in Nigeria live in poverty. Many are forced into petty trading or even begging to survive,” he said.
Ajiboye highlighted that Nigeria’s ageing population is expanding rapidly, projected to rise from about 14.8 million people aged 60 and above to 25 million by 2050, without corresponding growth in social security systems.
He warned that ageing in Nigeria is occurring against the background of socioeconomic hardship and the breakdown of extended family structures, making later life more precarious.
The sociologist also identified ageism as a critical but often overlooked issue.
“Ageism manifests in workplaces, healthcare and even media portrayals, leading to discrimination that undermines the dignity and wellbeing of older persons,” he said.

 

Ajiboye called for stronger government intervention, including improved pension systems and accessible healthcare, alongside community-based support.

 

“Every person should have the opportunity to live a long and healthy life irrespective of age. But the environment must support this,” he added.

 

He emphasised the role of social gerontologists in advocating for older persons and promoting policies that ensure dignity, independence and quality of life in later years.