The co-Founder of the Foundation, Mrs Uzoamaka Nwachukwu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Enugu that an adequate pension fees/pay should be able to sustain the basic needs for shelter, food and healthcare of retirees.
Nwachukwu, a psychologist, said that organisations owed it a duty to provide sustainable retirement plans for employees to address their mental, physical, emotional, spiritual and holistic wellbeing after retirement.
According to her, in Nigeria, it is believed that there is little or no support system for the elderly (or retirees) beyond provision from their families, especially in the area of healthcare.
“There is also low life expectancy, lack of social security and low pension arrangements from both government and private employers.
“These beliefs about the neglect of the well-being of retired persons creates intense fear and in some cases, phobia in their work life and productivity.
“It has pushed a lot of workers into negative pathways as they strategise and execute settlement plans for their retirement, such as stealing of public or private funds, acquiring properties through dubious means, blackmail and other self-help schemes.”
She advocated for the provision of healthcare services for employees while in active service and should also continue after retirement.
Nwachukwu added that organisations should work with NGOs to champion mental health counseling/therapy for their retired employees.
The psychologist said that retired individuals should be encouraged to engage in multi-sports activities to help them build resilience and social communication; thereby enhancing their health and friendly dispositions.
“They (retirees) should be consulted or included in decision making at some level of governance or leadership because of their acquired years of experience.“They can become coaches, mentors and educators in various spheres of life.
“This will help to occupy their mind and give them a sense of belonging and a new lease of life,” she said. (NAN
