Key points
- Neurologist Dr. Temitope Farombi has called for stronger protection of older persons, particularly those living with dementia and cognitive disorders.
- He warned that elderly individuals with impaired cognition are at heightened risk of abuse, neglect and exploitation.
- Farombi urged families, communities, healthcare professionals and governments to collaborate in safeguarding the rights and dignity of senior citizens.
- He also advocated stronger legal protections, age-friendly policies and improved support for caregivers.
Main story
A neurologist and brain health advocate, Dr. Temitope Farombi, has called for urgent measures to protect older persons, particularly those living with dementia and other cognitive disorders, warning that they remain among the most vulnerable groups in society.
Farombi made the appeal in a statement to commemorate the 2026 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, stressing the need for coordinated action by families, healthcare providers, communities and governments to safeguard the welfare, rights and dignity of senior citizens.
The founder of Brain Health Neuro-critical and Rehabilitation Services, Ibadan, noted that older adults with dementia often face a heightened risk of mistreatment because cognitive impairment may affect their ability to recognise abuse, report incidents or defend themselves.
He emphasised that caring for and protecting vulnerable older persons should be seen as a shared societal responsibility rather than a burden placed solely on families.
The issues
According to Farombi, older persons have traditionally occupied respected positions in society as custodians of wisdom, culture and communal values. However, changing family structures, economic pressures, urban migration and weakening social support systems have contributed to increasing isolation among many elderly people.
He warned that these factors have created conditions that leave older adults more susceptible to neglect, abuse and exploitation.
Farombi argued that respect for older persons must extend beyond cultural rhetoric and be reflected in deliberate actions aimed at protecting their rights, promoting their welfare and ensuring their continued participation in society.
He further called on Nigerians to become more vigilant in identifying signs of elder abuse and neglect while encouraging communities to foster safe and supportive environments where older persons can age with dignity.
The neurologist also advocated stronger legal frameworks, effective reporting channels and stricter enforcement of laws designed to protect senior citizens from abuse.
What’s being said
“As a neurologist and someone committed to brain health, I am particularly concerned about older adults living with conditions such as dementia, who are especially vulnerable to exploitation and neglect,” Farombi said.
“Every older person deserves to age with dignity, safety, respect and purpose,” Farombi stated.
“Growing old should never mean becoming invisible, voiceless or vulnerable,” Farombi stressed.
What’s next
Farombi urged policymakers to prioritise investments in age-friendly communities, healthy ageing programmes and social inclusion initiatives that improve the quality of life of older persons.
He also called for greater support for caregivers, noting that caring for ageing family members often comes with significant emotional, physical and financial demands.
Bottom line
As Nigeria joins the global community to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Farombi says protecting older persons, especially those living with dementia requires sustained action from government, communities and families. He maintains that how society treats its elderly population remains a critical measure of its commitment to justice, dignity and human rights.
