The current reality of the welfare of the aged in Nigeria solicits for a swift intervention of the law. Many of the aged are exposed to serious depression, abandonment, discrimination, segregation and inability to access health services. Ageing being a natural phenomenon rather than self-inflicted, prompts the attention of Government for the establishment of a specific Elder Law in Nigeria to cater for the wellbeing of the aged.
This treatise has six parts. The introductory part defines and explains Elder Care and what it entails; the second touches on the scope of Elder Law; the third examines the Elder Law in developed countries; the fourth focuses on the current challenges in respect of Elder Care and Elder Law in Nigeria;and in conclusion, the best approach in moving forward.
INTRODUCTION
Access to education and recent improvement in the medical field across the globe, has not only contributed to global development, but also improved human lifespan, Nigeria is no exception. Morbidity rate has been minimised through discovery of vaccines that reduce and cure incessant outbreaks of life-threatening illnesses.
Ageing is a natural phenomenon. Proper care and attention ought to be given to persons who have been met with the fortune of growing old. This is because ageing causes people to be less active, frailer, and more exposed to risks of contracting a disease, leading to prejudice or discrimination against the elderly, social isolation, and, sometimes, abandonment. The increase in the number of elderly people in Nigeria meets government inaction and this indeed cries for urgent consideration.
The aged or elderly undergo mental and physiologicaldepreciation, and as a result, incapable of doing most chores without help or assistance. Ageing is a process of…
