Nurturing a positively sensitive and inclusive society: a framework for the protection of older persons in Nigeria

Abstract

According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, 1 out of every 10 people on the planet is 60 years of age or older. If the current trend of lowering birth rates and lowering death rates continues, by the year 2050, 1 out of 5 people will be aged 60 years or older and by 2150, 1 out of every 2 people will be aged 60 years or older. The human right of older people is, however, yet to receive adequate human rights attention, despite the demographic importance of this population. This study aims to call for specific human rights approach to elderly well-being in Nigeria. The study highlights some of the ways by which the Nigeria Government can develop lasting and beneficial economic and socio-welfare policies and programmes for older people. The underlying rationale for this research is to recommends a human rights-based framework that will protect and promote the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of older persons in Nigeria.