Nigerian Elderly Face Care Crisis Amid Youth Emigration

Increasing emigration of young Nigerians in search of better opportunities abroad is creating a care crisis for the ageing population left behind. Families are struggling to provide adequate support for their elderly members, as traditional caregiving roles shift due to migration.

The Nigeria’s National Senior Citizens Centre defines older persons as those aged 60 and above, emphasizing the need for caregiver training and standards for geriatric social care. Mrs. Amina Yusuf, 68, whose children live in the United Kingdom and another Nigerian state, expresses that financial support from her children cannot replace their physical presence, especially during emergencies.

Similarly, 72-year-old Chalse Ehizogie, whose children reside in Canada and the United States, highlights the limitations of financial assistance, stating that immediate physical support is crucial for attending medical appointments and family events. Both individuals illustrate the emotional and practical challenges faced by ageing parents in Nigeria as their children migrate.