By Olamilekan Jaji
“I thought my children would take care of everything,”
This is the assumption of many elderly people, but th
“I gave my life to work and family, and I expect a reciprocation at old age” common opinion of elite seniors mostly in urban communities.
For many seniors, the absence of a clear aging plan has become a personal crisis—one that plays out silently in homes, hospitals, and empty living rooms across the country.
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Myth of Automatic Support
In many African societies, there’s a long-standing belief that aging comes with automatic rewards—support from children, formal employer, respect from society, and security in retirement. But reality is far for this.
Urban migration, strained family structures, and the rising cost of living have disrupted the traditional elder-care model.
Today, many adult children are financially and emotionally stretched, or seriously struggling with life and some are themselves unprepared for adulthood, adding the burden of caregiving is tasking.
Relying solely on children as a retirement plan is no longer realistic in our society. Many are living in regret today because they failed to accept this reality. Many desire longer life but have no plan to enjoy the long life.
When Planning Fails—or Never Happens
The danger of aging without a plan lies not only in financial instability but in emotional, physical, and medical vulnerability. Common consequences include:
* Poor housing conditions
* Lack of access to healthcare
* Social isolation
* Depression and mental decline
* Elder abuse or exploitation
* Managing Disability
* Griefing of the Death of Spouse or Children
Many retirees are caught off guard when pension payments delay, health issues arise, or family dynamics shift. Without savings, insurance, legal arrangements, or even a basic support network, life in old age becomes precarious.
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Why Don’t People Plan?
According to experts, there are three main reasons:
1. Cultural Optimism – Many expect their children or extended family to step in, assuming the future will somehow take care of itself.
2. Economic Survival Mode – When daily survival is the focus, long-term planning feels like a luxury.
3. Lack of Awareness – Few understand what holistic aging preparation involves—retirement funding, medical insurance, housing, wills, or emotional wellbeing.
From experience, most people don’t even want to talk about aging, let alone plan for it. Sadly, avoiding it doesn’t stop it from coming, or exonerate one from the consequences.
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What Does a Solid Aging Plan Look Like?
Building a proactive aging strategy involves more than a pension. It’s about health, housing, finances, family, and fulfillment. Here are key elements experts recommend:
1. Financial Planning
• Open a dedicated retirement savings account early.
• Invest in long-term plans like real estate or low-risk mutual funds.
• Consider private pension schemes or annuities.
2. Health Insurance and Care
• Enroll in a trusted health insurance plan.
• Budget for out-of-pocket medical costs.
• Establish a relationship with a primary care doctor.
3. Legal Documentation
• Write a will—no matter your asset level or relative peace you are presently enjoying
• Consider power of attorney and guardianship documents.
• Clearly document end-of-life preferences, it’s very important.
4. Housing and Safety
• Plan for a home that suits old age—safe, accessible, and close to basic services. Let go your ego of big and expensive lifestyle.
• Consider retirement communities or multi-generational homes if culturally appropriate.
5. Social and Emotional Wellness
• Build strong social networks outside your immediate family.
• Join senior clubs, religious groups, or community organizations.
• Don’t retire from purpose—volunteering, mentoring, or hobbies can sustain emotional health.
Wake-Up Call for Younger Adults and Gen Z
The danger of aging without a plan isn’t just an issue for the elderly(too late for many) it’s a warning for everyone.
The planning for old age must start as early as possible. Not at 60. At 30. The decisions we make now determine whether we age with dignity or despair.
In a society where lifespans are increasing and traditional support systems are breaking down, the future of aging depends on foresight—not just family.
A New Vision for Aging
What if we treated aging like a life phase to be designed—like youth, career, or parenthood? What if we normalized conversations about pensions, assisted living, and medical preferences over Sunday lunch?
Because growing old is inevitable. But growing old with dignity? That still depends on what you do today.
Olamilekan Jaji is an Old age Advocate who have written several literatures for seniors including Ageing For You and Me, Beyond Old Age and Suicide And Senior. He writes from Abeokuta, Ogun state