The Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria on Sunday called on the government at all levels, to establish day-care centres for older persons in the country.

Sen. Eze Ajoku, President of the Coalition, made the call during a hangout of the coalition with older persons in Abuja.

Ajoku described daycare centres for older persons as recreation centres, where older persons could interact with their peers, as well as have fun for good health and longer life.

“This is very good. That is why we have been prevailing on the government to have day-care centres, where old people can go and interact in the day and then go back to their homes in the evening.

“There, they will meet their peers to be able to interact, so that they don’t feel abandoned or isolated in homes, where they are confined to only watching the television and all that.

“We want the government to be able to start programmes that would provide relaxation for older persons,” he said.

The coalition president who reiterated the commitment of the group to the well-being of older persons urged the government to facilitate plans for old people’s centres, in states and local governments.

Mrs. Victoria Onu, Secretary General of the group, said that older persons deserved the best while calling on younger people to pay attention to them.

“Our older people deserve the best and young people need to pay attention to their parents, grandparents and society need to wake up to their responsibilities.

“The medical check-up is very important and COSROPIN believes in the health of older persons. That is why we have at least two webinars in a month, centred on medical things that affect older persons,” Onu said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the hangout, which took place in Mabushi, also witnessed medical checkups, dancing, and playing of games, such as Ludo, Drought, Chess, and others.