Though the processes of growing, maturing and dying are natural phenomena, yet, the fear of managing old age marks the beginning of wisdom for many mortals. And the fear is not misplaced. Growing old is indeed scary. With my experience seeing my beloved parents growing old, and with me also climbing the age ladder gradually, I can confidently attest that the process is very scary.
In fact, to enjoy old age, one needs the grace of the Creator.
First, you wake up one day and you suddenly realise that you are 50; and you begin to notice funny changes in your physiognomy, as well as your internal structure. The changes may begin with some twitting pains at your joints, knees and waist. At first, you may be thinking it is as a result of those long hours at work or stressful activities you subjected your body to. Then, you resort to self-medication, swallowing all sorts of pains-relieving tablets.
You may be lucky to manage off and on pains in your 50s; but when you hit 60, it becomes a different ball game. At this age, the bones are becoming weaker by the day; the eyes are getting dimmer and giving you all kinds of problems. You may either not be seeing well or you start seeing cobwebs. A check at eye clinic may reveal early symptoms of glaucoma or cataracts. If you are lucky, you may get the reprieve of recommendation for reading and sight glasses. If you are not, it may be the beginning of a life-long treatment for glaucoma; a degenerative eye disease dreadfully termed the ‘Big G’.
Again, from 60, you may be finding it difficult to flush urine out of your bladder. A check may reveal what your doctor may diagnose as prostate problem; either the benign form or beginning of prostate cancer. Unknown to many, especially men, no one is immune to prostate problems. In fact, from age 40, doctors recommend periodic checks of the bladder.
From 70, you are on your own. If you fall into the category of those with rough life styles, your bones may start getting brittle, your movement may begin to wobble; and you may begin to feel as if you are railing against gravity. Then, if you are unlucky, something may happen and you are confined to wheelchair.
The most damaging and frustrating aging problem is dementia – a severe impairment or loss of intellectual capacity and personality integration due to the loss or damage to neurons in the brain. It’s so devastating that it often makes its victims vegetable and deletes their memories..
At a point in my life, I could no longer afford the soaring cost of medical checks abroad. It was at this point that someone introduced me to Chief Tony Anenih Geriatric Centre at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan.
Behold, it was a sight to behold. I started seeing familiar faces of retired vice chancellors, professors drawn from virtually every part of the country, aged politicians, businessmen, clergymen and aged peasants of all sorts. Some could barely walk and were in wheelchairs.
The environment was sparkling, made beautiful with well- manicured gardens, brimming with aromatic flowers. Everything the aged needed was provided. It is optional to bring your aides for assistance. The centre provides for uniformed aides to move you around and attend to all your needs for a token.
Mama Adewole, mother of the current Minister of Health, was full of praises for the doctors and nurses: “They are just wonderful.” I am getting the best of treatments here.”
Upon investigation, I learnt that the centre is the brainchild of the politician popularly known as “Mr. Fix It”; Chief Tony Anenih. The man had hitherto been fixing virtually every political jigsaw in Nigeria’s current democracy but at some point, he decided to fix better life for the aged. I give him kudos. He deserves a big applause from all well-meaning Nigerians.
What is more, the centre is the first and only training hub for geriatric medicine under the Faculty of Family Medicine, and the first purpose built geriatric centre in Africa, and has become a model for Africa and parts of Europe.
- By Folu Olamiti
Media Consultant, Abuja.
