By Flowerbudnews
The Cope-and-Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation, on Friday, urged government, public and private organisations to make adequate provision for pension fees to cater for basic needs of their retired employees.
The co-Founder of the Foundation, Mrs Uzoamaka Nwachukwu, told newsmen in Enugu that an adequate pension fees/pay should be able sustain the basic needs for shelter, food and healthcare of retirees.
Nwachukwu, a psychologist, noted that organisations owe it a duty to provide sustainable retirement plans for employees, which would cater for their mental, physical, emotional, spiritual i.e. 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.
Nwachukwu said, “There is also low life expectancy, lack of social security, and low pension arrangements from both government, public 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 provision of healthcare services for employees while in active service and should also continue after retirement, adding that organisations should work with NGOs to champion mental health counseling/therapy for their retired employees.
The psychologist noted that retired individuals should be encouraged to engage in multi-sports activities to help them build resilience and social communication and thereby enhance their health and friendly dispositions.
She said, “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.”
