Dr Olutoyin Akande-Ajala, Consultant Geriatrician and Founder and Medical Director of JBS Gerontology Centre, has called for the integration of healthcare and healthy ageing into retirement planning, stressing that financial security alone cannot guarantee a fulfilling life after retirement.
Akande-Ajala made the call while delivering the keynote address at Nigeria’s inaugural National Pension Week on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, during the Senior Citizens Fair.
She emphasised the strong connection between financial preparedness, healthcare and quality of life in old age, noting that “a secure future is not only about money; it is also about health.”
Organised by the National Pension Commission (PenCom), the National Pension Week held from October 26 to 30, 2026, under the theme, “Pensions for All: Building a Secure Future Together.”
The initiative was designed to strengthen pension awareness and encourage wider participation in pension planning across the country.
Speaking on the need to change society’s perception of retirement, Akande-Ajala described the stage as “a new chapter, not the end of the story.”
She encouraged older Nigerians to embrace retirement as a period that could remain meaningful and fulfilling, noting that with adequate preparation, access to healthcare, social connections and appropriate support, “the retirement chapter can be healthy, active and joyful.”
The geriatrician highlighted the importance of creating supportive systems that would enable older adults to maintain their health, independence, dignity and overall quality of life.
She also stressed that healthcare and healthy ageing should be recognised as essential components of retirement security rather than issues to be considered only after individuals have left active service.
According to her, longevity alone is not sufficient, as access to appropriate healthcare, good nutrition, safe living conditions, meaningful relationships and adequate support systems play significant roles in determining the quality of life in old age.
Akande-Ajala’s message reflected the philosophy underpinning her work at JBS Gerontology Centre, which focuses on helping older Nigerians live not just longer, but better.
Her keynote address was particularly relevant to the Senior Citizens Fair, drawing attention to the human dimension of retirement planning and the need for a comprehensive approach to preparing for old age.
She advocated a broader understanding of retirement security that goes beyond financial resources to include physical health, emotional well-being, personal independence and social participation.
The address reinforced the need for individuals, institutions and policymakers to give healthy ageing greater attention in developing strategies for retirement and the welfare of senior citizens.
