A Non-Governmental Organisation, Axios Senior Citizens Foundation, has called for the promotion of intergenerational connections to bridge the gap between young and old people.
The Founder of the organisation, Mrs. Murjanatu-Usman Habibu, made the call on Monday at a lecture and time-out with some Abuja-based elderly persons.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the event was organised by the foundation to commemorate the 2023 World Senior Citizens Day.
Habibu explained that Intergenerational Connection is a purposeful bringing together of different generations in mutually beneficial activities such as mentoring and volunteerism.
She noted that there was a need to bridge the gap between the young and the old, and also to create platforms for meaningful dialogue and mutual learning.
Habibu expressed appreciation for the contributions, wisdom and valuable experiences of senior citizens to the Nigerian society, saying that the young had learnt a lot from them.
According to her, it is unfortunate that many senior citizens around the world face challenges such as social isolation and inadequate access to healthcare.
She said that society had a moral obligation to address the challenges and fill senior citizens’ lives with love, care and support.
Habibu said that the foundation was working towards creating inclusive environments in which senior citizens would feel valued, respected and appreciated.
“Today, August 21, 2023, is the day set aside by the United Nations as World Senior Citizens Day.
“We have, therefore, decided to come together to acknowledge the remarkable accomplishments and the unyielding spirit of our senior citizens who have played instrumental roles in shaping the world we live in today.
“You have witnessed and participated in countless transformative events, some of which have redefined our history. Your resilience, perseverance and dedication continue to inspire generations to come.
“As we celebrate this day, we reflect on the significance of cherishing and respecting our senior citizens, who are the guardians of our traditions, the custodians of our heritage, and the pillars of our communities,” she said.
Habibu thanked the staff of the foundation, volunteers and other individuals for seeing to the welfare and happiness of senior citizens.
A member of the foundation’s senior citizens club, Mr. Moses Okolo, who gave a lecture on grandparenting/parenting challenges and the way forward, encouraged the elderly ones to be up and doing for their children.
He advised parents to stop comparing their children with others, saying that such could discourage the children from improving.
He also advised parents to create time for their children and impart values to them.
A former Director of Active Ageing and Support Services, National Senior Citizens Centre, Mr. Kayode Fagbemi, advised the senior citizens to regularly engage in exercise for improved health.