How to take care of retired parents in Nigeria

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
How to take care of retired parents in Nigeria

Introduction

At some point in your life, you will have to leave active service and rest. Retirement is an important life event that signals the end of one’s working life. For many people, retirement is a time to relax and enjoy the fruits of their labor. However, retirement can also be a time of great upheaval, particularly for those who are unable to adjust to a sedentary lifestyle. For many elderly people, retirement can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. In addition, retirement can often mean a loss of income and an increase in expenses, such as home care. As a result, retirement can be a significant stressor for many older adults. It is important to be aware of the potential challenges retirement can pose so that you can be better prepared to manage them.

 Africans consider this as a time of rest and the time for children to take good care of their parents to prolong their life by creating a proper retirement plan for them such as a routine health check, companionship, and personal care services. In this article, I will be sharing with you, the significant impact of retirement on aging people plus the best way to manage overall health at this crucial stage of one’s life.

Impact of retirement and old age on people?

Retirement can be a daunting time for many seniors. They may have to leave their long-time job, downsize their home, and face the possibility of declining health. These challenges can be especially difficult to navigate if the senior does not have a retirement plan or a support system in place.

One of the biggest challenges of retirement is finding ways to stay active and engaged. Without a job to go to every day, many seniors can quickly become isolated and lonely. They need to find activities that they enjoy and that provide social interaction. Another challenge of retirement is managing finances. Seniors often have fixed incomes that do not keep up with the rising cost of living. This can make it difficult to cover basic expenses, let alone afford retirement luxuries like travel or hobbies. Finally, retirement can be a stressful time as seniors try to maintain their independence.

Some may need to rely on home care services or move into assisted living facilities. This can be a difficult transition for seniors who are used to being self-sufficient. Retirement poses many challenges, but it can also be a time of great joy and satisfaction. With proper planning and support, seniors can overcome these challenges and enjoy their retirement years to the fullest.

Whether the decision is to retire to a remote village and stay away from the stress in major cities, the effect of retirement is always significant.  It is a new phase of life that comes with both pros and cons.

Here are 5 challenges faced after retirement.

Worries and anxiety

Once you retire, especially in some countries in Africa with no strong support for people in that age bracket, anxiety starts to set in. Retirees face the prospect of an uncertain future. Will their savings last? Will they be able to stay in their own homes? How will they cope with the physical and mental changes that come with old age? Retirement can be a stressful time, but there are ways to manage the worries and anxiety. Talking to a financial planner can help to ease concerns about money. Making plans for home care can help to ensure that retirement is a time of independence and enjoyment, not worry and anxiety. Whatever the challenges, retirement can be a rewarding time of life if the right steps are taken to prepare for it.

Deteriorating health related to old age

No one prays or wishes this to happen, but for many people, retirement is a time of deteriorating health and increased dependency. As people age, they are more likely to experience chronic health problems such as heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes. They may also need help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and eating. As a result, retirement can be a significant challenge for many older adults. In addition to the physical challenges, retirement can also be a stressful time financially. Older adults may have difficulty paying for their medical care and other expenses. They may also be reluctant to ask for help from their family or friends. As a result, retirement can be a difficult time for many people.

Boredom and loneliness

Boredom constitutes one of the significant challenges in retirement. That is why special attention must be paid to boredom and loneliness to give a better and quality life. While some retirees may have the financial resources to travel or take up new hobbies, others may find themselves stuck at home with little to do. In addition, retirement can often mean the loss of social contact, as friends and colleagues move on with their lives. This can lead to feelings of isolation and despair. Fortunately, there are ways to combat these challenges. Some retirees find meaning in volunteering or working part-time, while others stay active by joining social clubs or taking up new hobbies. Regardless of how you choose to stay busy, retirement can be a time to enjoy your newfound freedom and explore new interests.

Changes in an environment in a situation of relocation

One of the significant challenges faced at retirement is the change in environment. This is especially true if retirement includes a relocation. Imagine if after retirement you have to move from cities like Lagos, to somewhere in Cross River State. For many people, retirement is a time to downsize and simplify their lives. This often means leaving the family home and moving to a smaller dwelling, such as moving to a village which can be far away from the city centre. The challenge of retirement is that it can be difficult to adjust to all the changes that come with this lifestyle transition. For example, retirees may have to get used to living in close quarters with strangers, or dealing with the maintenance and upkeep of a new home. Additionally, they may find it hard to be so far away from family and friends. However, with time and adjustment, most retirees can make the most of their new surroundings and enjoy a happy and fulfilling retirement.

What is the retirement age in Nigeria?

If you are wondering what exactly is retirement in Nigeria, it is 60 year for both men and women who work in government jobs and establishments. In private practices, this differs from one organization to another and if you are a one-man business, the decision solely rests on you to choose when you would like to retire from active service. Politicians are, however, exempted from this retirement age as they could serve for as long as they are still winning elections into office.

The retirement age in Nigeria is, however, not uniform across all the states in the country. For instance, in Lagos State, the retirement age for both men and women is 60 years while in other states, it differs at times.

What are the health needs of retired parents or aged loved ones?

The health needs of retired parents or aged loved ones can be quite complex. Often, they may need assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. They may also require help with managing their medication schedule and other medical needs. In addition, it is important to provide support and assistance with social activities, such as joining groups or clubs or engaging in social interactions. Finally, it is crucial to ensure that retired parents or aged loved ones are getting the nutrition they need to stay healthy. This may require regular visits from a nutritionist or dietitian to create a tailored meal plan.

5 ways you can take care of my parents after retirement?

Here are 5 ways you can provide adequate support for your loved ones who just retired

Health monitoring and care

One of the most important things you can do to ensure your retired parents or elderly loved ones are receiving adequate care is to provide health monitoring. This means keeping track of their physical and mental health, as well as their overall well-being. You should be sure to schedule regular check-ups with a doctor and keep up with any prescribed treatments. In addition, it is important to monitor your loved ones’ living environment for any potential hazards or safety concerns.

You can also help by providing regular home care services. This includes helping with activities of daily living, providing transportation to appointments, and assisting with medication management. Having someone there to help regularly can make a big difference in the quality of your loved ones’ life.

If you are unable to provide regular care yourself, you may want to consider hiring a professional caregiver. These individuals are specially trained in assisting seniors and can help ensure that your loved ones are getting the support they need.

Personal and home care

Personalized home care is essential for the well-being of elderly loved ones. By assisting with daily activities, transportation, and medication management, you can help ensure that they can live as comfortably and independently as possible. In addition, it is important to provide a supportive environment where they can engage in social activities and interact with others. This can help keep them mentally healthy and engaged.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy is an important part of helping elderly loved ones stay healthy and active. By providing regular physical therapy sessions, you can help improve their mobility and strength. This can help prevent falls and other health complications. In addition, physical therapy can also help boost morale and promote a sense of well-being.

If your elderly loved one is unable to travel to a physical therapist’s office, many therapists offer in-home services. This means that the therapist will come to your loved one’s home and provide the necessary treatment. This can be a more convenient and comfortable option for many seniors.

It is important to note that not all insurance plans cover physical therapy services. However, many therapists will work with patients to create a payment plan that works for them.

Physical therapy is an essential part of helping elderly loved ones stay healthy and active. By providing regular physical therapy sessions, you can help improve their mobility and strength. This can help prevent falls and other health complications. In addition, physical therapy can also help boost morale and promote a sense of well-being.

Companionship

Loneliness is a common problem for elderly loved ones, and it can have a serious impact on their health and well-being. This is why it is so important to provide companionship and social support. By engaging with your loved ones and providing them with opportunities to interact with others, you can help keep them mentally healthy and reduce the risk of loneliness or depression.

In addition, companionship can also help promote a sense of independence and self-esteem. It can be reassuring for elderly loved ones to know that they are not alone and that there are people who care about them. This can make them feel more connected to the world and help them feel more comfortable in their skin.

If you are unable to provide regular companionship yourself, you may want to consider hiring a professional caregiver. These individuals are specially trained in assisting seniors and can help ensure that your loved ones are getting the support they need.

Companionship is an essential part of helping elderly loved ones stay healthy and active. By providing regular companionship and social support, you can help reduce the risk of loneliness or depression. In addition, companionship can also help promote a sense of independence and self-esteem.

It’s comfortable, everything is happening in your own house

Home care is a more affordable and convenient option for elderly parents than nursing homes. You can receive care in the comfort of your own home. They can stay in their familiar surroundings and maintain their independence. Home care can also be less disruptive to elders’ routines

Adequate financial support

Financial support is critical for retired parents in Nigeria. Without it, they may not be able to afford basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter. In addition, financial support can help ensure that elderly loved ones have access to the care and services they need. This can be crucial for preserving their health and well-being.

It is important to remember that not all retirees have sufficient savings to cover their expenses. Many seniors live on a fixed income that can be difficult to stretch. This is why it is important to provide financial support to retired parents in Nigeria. By doing so, you can help ensure that they can live comfortably and securely

Financial support is critical for retired parents in Nigeria. Without it, they may not be able to afford basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter. In addition, financial support can help ensure that elderly loved ones have access to the care and services they need. This can be crucial for preserving their health and well-being.

It is important to remember that not all retirees have sufficient savings to cover their expenses. Many seniors live on a fixed income that can be difficult to stretch. This is why it is important to provide regular financial support to retired parents in Nigeria. By doing so, you can help ensure that they can live comfortably and securely.

Conclusion

Retirement can be a difficult time for both retirees and their loved ones. It can be challenging to adjust to a new lifestyle and manage on a limited income. In addition, many elderly loved ones require extra care and assistance. If you are unable to provide this care yourself, you may want to consider hiring a professional caregiver. By doing so, you can ensure that your loved ones receive the care they need and remain healthy and happy.

If you need the service of a caregiver, you can now get one without stress, you can click on this button to speak with our support and caregiver team.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp

OTHER ARTICLES