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Life Insurance For Senior Citizens

In recent times, we have witnessed a lot of political, economical and environmental upheavals in different climes of the world.
Lives and properties have been lost in the process of these events. From black lives matter in the United States to End SARS protest in Nigeria. Also, Sudan, Guinea, Zimbabwe and many other countries are not left out.
 
A lot of people have lost their bread winners or bread winner to be, while others have lost their older adults to these recent events. What is life insurance? What role  can life insurance play in times like this? What are the types of life insurance that you can take advantage of? All these questions will be answered in this post as you read on.
 
 
It is my hope that at the end of this post, you would be moved to action!
 
WHAT IS LIFE INSURANCE?
 
This is a legal agreement between an individual (policy holder) and an insurer/assurer ( insurance companies, banks and financial institutions), where the insurer promises to pay a designated amount to a named beneficiary in exchange for a premium, upon the death of an insured person (policy holder).
 
Policy Holder: This is the one whose life is to be insured.
 
Insurer/Assurer: This refers to financial institutions that have the right to insure people/properties.
 
Premium: This is the amount you pay every month to keep the policy active. IT WILL INTEREST YOU TO KNOW THAT SOME POLICIES COULD BE AS LOW AS ($2) THAT IS EQUIVALENT TO TWO THOUSAND (2,000) naira/ month. I am sure a lot of us spend well above this on recharge cards and internet subscriptions. You wouldn’t know if you don’t ask.
 
TYPES OF INSURANCE
 
There are several types of insurance portfolios, ranging from:

• Property insurance

• Car insurance

• Fire insurance

• Professional indemnity insurance

• Life insurance                     

• Others

Imagine if the victims whose properties and cars were damaged during protests all had insurance. Even though, it was a tragic event, they would all replace those things without any sweat. That is the power of insurance. Like I said, I will be focusing solely on LIFE INSURANCE in this post as it relates to the elderly or senior citizens.

LIFE INSURANCE

This is when an individual has an agreement with an insurance company to pay a fixed amount at his or her death to a next of kin, based on his or her premium payments. Just think about this, if every parent who had died at the age of 75 years took on an insurance at 45 years of age , they would probably leave about 15million naira to their next of kin as insurance benefits! This wise decision by some late parents have given the children they left behind  better lives!

THREE REASONS WHY PEOPLE DON’T GET A LIFE INSURANCE

1. The fear of monthly premium payment, it is not unusual for humans to be afraid of what they have little knowledge about. However, I would encourage you to visit insurance companies and find out how you can get a life insurance for your elderly ones, you would be surprised they have different packages, and you will definitely see the one you can afford.

Let me surprise you, if you enrol for an insurance policy at age 59 and you agree to pay the premium for 20 years . It will only require you to pay just as little as 7% of your monthly earnings, which is lesser than the amount you pay for several subscriptions like DStv, airtime, data and so on.
If you have this kind of policy, you might not die a multi-millionaire, but at your death, your children would be millionaires. Please think about this.

 
2. Fear of death, a lot of people believe if they should enrol for a life insurance, it is like inviting death more quickly. This is so not true! Death is an inevitable end for all, but the wisdom to get a life insurance is for a few, and only the wise prepare for their deaths.
 
3. Fear of loosing money. A lot of people might ask, what if I didn’t die at 70years of age, and my policy would lapse at age 70, what would happen to my money?
For every problem there is a solution if you dare to ask and seek for it!
There are two things you can do to ensure you do not loose money.
 
A.  You can apply  for a “CONVERSION ORDER” towards the end of your policy. For example, if your policy is 10years, and you are already at the tenth year, you can tell your insurance company to convert your policy from “TERM LIFE POLICY” to a “WHOLE LIFE POLICY” Do not worry, you would understand the difference between the two when I talk about the types of life insurance.
 
B. You can opt for ROP (RETURN OF PREMIUM), this helps to prevent the forfeiture of your money. For instance, if your life insurance policy is for 20 years and you applied when you were 50years old. It means that if you didn’t die at 70years the money would go to the insurance company. However, if you die before the 20 years, the assured  amount would be paid to your next of kin or a named beneficiary.
Therefore, people can loose money in insurance, but to prevent this, you can take advantage of the ROP. In ROP package, at the end of the stipulated time if you are still alive, the issurer ( your insurance company) will start paying you back your premium! Thus, it becomes a form of savings plan for you. It is a win-win, you just need to know what to do in life, and you are a winner!
 
Do not forget, you have two choices in  safeguarding your life insurance package:
 

•Conversion order ( CO)

•Return of premium (ROP)

TYPES OF LIFE INSURANCE

Like I said, life insurance is just one out of many insurance packages available out there. Just like there are different types of insurance, also there are different types of life insurance:
 
I. Term Life Insurance: under this type of life insurance, life is only insure for a determined period of time. For example, a 35 years old man can insure his life for 35years. This means he only has 35 years coverage. If  he dies within this period, the benefits go to the named beneficiary. If he lives beyond this period, the entire money would be forfeited to the insurance company, except there is a conversion order.
 
II. Whole Life Insurance: this simply means your insurance policy would cover you from the moment you apply till one’s death. The implication of this is the fact that you might have to pay more premium. However, do not forget that more premium means more benefits to your named beneficiary at your death, and you won’t be needing a conversion order.
 
III. Instant life insurance: this type of life insurance is for a very brief period, it requires very small amount of premium, and it is renewable. But the benefits if attracts may not be as high or robust as the two above.
 
WHY SHOULD YOU GET A LIFE INSURANCE FOR YOUR ELDERLY ONES?
 
* In case of sudden illness and eventualities, the insurance company will be right there to help.
* It prevents you from going into debts because of burial arrangements.
* There would be enough money to maintain or execute their intending legacy.
* It is a wise way of breaking the chains of poverty.
* The benefits become a source of capital for the named beneficiary.
 
My friend, if you have a stable source of income get a life insurance for yourself, and get for your parents if they cannot afford to get for themselves. Make it a family tradition, this is wisdom!

EXAMPLES OF WHERE YOU CAN GET A LIFE INSURANCE:

  •  Banks
  •  Leadway
  • Axa mansard
  • AIICO
  • Custodian
  • Liberty Mutual
  • Berkshire Hathaway
  • AIG
  • AM Trust Group
Some of the companies listed above are not based in Nigeria, but the ones that are based in Nigeria are there too.
 
Also, it will interest you to know that some of the companies have online platforms, hence they have helped you out in eliminating the stress of visiting their offices. You can apply online, and monitor your account through their online platforms. Notwithstanding, visiting their branches for more information would be a wise move.
 
Kindly note, I do not take any responsibility for your financial decisions, I have only shared with you what I think will be of great benefit to you and your elderly ones. For the avoidance of doubt, I have not collected a Penny from any of the above companies to list their names here.
Thank you always I await your comments and contributions.
 
Author
 
My name is Adesuyi Adesina, the founder and CEO of  Ganat Healthcare Initiative and Ganat Empire Limited. I am passionate about the care and health of older persons in our society. Senior citizens deserve good elderly care homes and better healthcare services.
 
 

PREVENTION OF POISONS IN OLDER PERSON OR SENIOR CITIZEN

Paracelsus once said, “poison is in everything, and nothing is without poison. The dosage makes it either a poison or a remedy”.
 
Alice Sebold said, “poison and medicine are often the same thing, given in different proportions”.
Therefore, poisons are substances that can cause damage or death in humans, after exposure, inhalation, injection and ingestion of such substances at a quantity sufficient enough to cause harm.
 
 
SOURCES OF POISON
 
I. WATER: This is a common source of poison in elderly , water in itself it’s not a poison. However, when it comes in contact with toxic or poisonous substances, it then becomes a poison.
Also, water intoxication has been referred to as water poisoning. This is a situation where one drinks too much water, which could cause a lot of damage to human health. It causes electrolyte imbalance (low sodium) in the body, this can lead to a damage of the brain, loss of consciousness, muscle weakness and even death if not quickly corrected.
This is very crucial when it comes to the older person who is more likely to suffer more from electrolyte imbalance.
 
PREVENTION
 
• Proper disposal of waste and toxic substances that could contaminate your water.
• Only drink water from reliable and well treated sources.
• Do not keep poisonous substances near the water you want to drink.
• Do not take excess water at a time. Taking about 3 litres of water at a time can lead to water intoxication, wait a minute! You doctors told us we could drink up to 3 litres a day! That is very true, however, that 3 litres is supposed to be over 24hours and not just at once .
• Wash your water storage regularly.
 
II. FOOD POISON : It is an illness caused by food contaminated with microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, parasites) or toxins.
 
This could cause abdominal pain, vomiting, stooling, dehydration, and in situation where it is caused by microorganisms it could lead to generalized sepsis if not treated on time. Although, it presents as mild cases often times, and resolves with supportive treatments.
It is also important to let you know, that as people age, their senses of smell become less acute. Hence, they might not perceive it when a food is spoilt.
 
PREVENTION
 
• Cover foods properly.
• Prevent under cooked meals.
• Meals should be prepared in a hygienic environment.
• Ensure proper storage of food and cooking Ingredients.
• Wash plates immediately after eating.
 
III. MEDICATION : Poisoning from medication in senior citizens often results from using the wrong drugs, overdose, and multiple drugs (polypharmacy). Kindly read my post on DRUG SAFETY IN GERIATRICS for adequate information on how to prevent this.
 
IV. CHEMICALS : Chemical agents used at home for cleaning, and other agricultural agents like herbicides and insecticides could be sources of poison to the elderly.
 
PREVENTION
 
• Always keep their labellings intact.
• Do not store them within the reach of senior citizens.
• Do not mix these chemicals together.
• Ensure you wear protective gears when using these chemicals.
• Do not leave door closed on senior citizens when these chemicals are being applied.
• Do not pour the chemicals out of their original container into another one. If you have to do this unavoidably, kindly label it properly.
 
V. CARBON MONOXIDE : This is a dangerous gas that leads to tissue damage and even death. It is found in fumes of cars, trucks, kerosene stoves, burning of tyres, fire places and gas ranges. When it is inhaled, it poses dangers, such as chronic heart diseases, lung diseases, low oxygen level in the body and many more.
 
PREVENTION
 
• Each home should have a carbon monoxide detector, it has an alarm system that will notify you of the carbon monoxide concentration in your home at anytime.
• If you smell any gas coming out of your refrigerator or cooker, do call a qualified technician to fix it quickly.
• Ensure adequate ventilation in your home, especially the kitchen.
• Do not burn coals indoor.
• Make sure your generator house is situated outside.
 
NOTE
 
Please, I would like you to know that all the solutions given in this write up are preventive measures. You should not at anytime treat any form of poison at home whether chemical, food, water, carbon monoxide or medication poisoning. Kindly take such patients to the hospital or call the phone number of the National Poison Centre of your country.
 
Author
 
My name is Adesuyi Adesina, the founder and CEO of  Ganat Healthcare Initiative. I am passionate about the care and health of older persons in our society. Senior citizens deserve good elderly care homes and better healthcare services.

ROUTINE AND SPECIFIC MEDICAL CHECK UP FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

An inch of caution and prevention is far more better than yards of correction and curative methods.
Promoting healthy ageing is one of the things we do at Ganat Healthcare Initiative. Healthy ageing is defined by the world report on ageing and health as the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables well-being in older age (WHO).
 
 
 
 
One of the ways the above definition can be achieved is through ROUTINE AND SPECIFIC MEDICAL CHECK-UP FOR SENIOR CITIZENS.
 
 
 
 
 
 
WHAT ARE THE ROUTINE AND SPECIFIC MEDICAL CHECK-UP REQUIRED IN OLDER ADULTS?
 
 
 
I. BLOOD SUGAR SCREENING
 
• Anyone above the age of 45years should routinely do this test, so it’s not just only the senior citizens.
• It helps to detect if your body is not making use of the sugar adequately. This is referred to as diabetes.
 
II. BLOOD PRESSURE CHECK
 
• This is a simple test that should be done regularly in anyone above the age of 45years, as a matter of fact, it is routinely done in the hospitals. Even if you come everyday.
• It helps to detect those with blood pressure problem early, which is known as Hypertension.
• Hypertension is a silent killer, so without this test, people might be hypertensive and be fine physically. Meanwhile, they are dying inside.
• It is not unusual to see people develop stroke ( inability to use some parts of the body and or speech loss) suddenly, this is as a result of uncontrolled Hypertension, which could have been well controlled if detected early.
 
III. BLOOD LIPID / CHOLESTEROL TEST
 
• When lipid is within normal level in the body, it helps in building the cell memebrane, insulation, energy storage and cellular communication.
• However, if the value becomes too high , especially the Low density lipoprotein (LDL) this can cause heart diseases and even stroke.
• If detected early, you would probably be advised on dietary modification, lifestyle changes and drugs if necessary.
• This is recommended for anyone above the age of 35years and not just the elderly alone
 
IV COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT TEST
 
• This test allows your Healthcare professionals to know if your blood level is low or normal. Also, it helps us to know if  there is any infection going on within the body by interpreting the parameters.
• This test is a routine test for all age group, and not just the elderly.
 
V. KIDNEY FUNCTION TEST
 
• The kidneys help in getting rid off toxic waste substances from the body . Therefore, any damage to the kidneys will lead to the accumulation of these substances in the body, and this could be very damaging to human health.
• Anyone from the age of 45years should do this once in a year.
• Also, adequate water promotes the proper function of the kidneys.
 
Vl. EYE EXAMINATION
 
• One of the organs of the body affected as people age is the eye.
• Yearly eye check is encouraged in the elderly.
 
VII. EAR EXAMINATION
 
• This is done to check for wax,dirt and hearing capability.
• The physical examination , that is checking for wax, dirt and foreign bodies can be done routinely, while the hearing capability test (Audiogram) can be done yearly.
 
VIII. EXAMINATION OF RECTUM AND COLON
 
• This involves viewing the lower part of the large intestine starting from the rectum with the aid of a camera-like flexible instrument, known as colonoscopy.
•It helps to detect any abnormal leison or polyps, and a biopsy would be taken if there is any changes for the purpose of definitive diagnosis.
•Cancer is treatable if detected early before spread. Hence, routine colonoscopy every ten (10) years starting from age 45 years to about 74years is highly recommended.
 
IX. PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING
 
• This is specifically for older men, however, people should start screening for prostate cancer from 45years old and above.
• With a simple digital rectal examination (DRE) your attending physician might suspect a prostate cancer and take a biopsy for histology which would aid in the definitive diagnosis.
• Also, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels can help in the diagnostic process.
• Early detection gives a very favorable outcome.
 
X. SELF BREAST EXAMINATION AND X-RAY
 
• Breast x-ray is called (mammogram) by health professionals. It helps in taking a picture of the breast for proper examination. 
Women over 55 years of age should have mammogram done every two years, while women of 45-54 years should have it done once in a year.
• Self breast examination is the ability to examine your breast on your own following an approved pattern . Every woman from reproductive age group to elderly should be able to do to this. It helps in early detection of lumps within the breast tissue.
 
XI. CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING
 
• Cervical cancer is one of the cancers that affects women. I am not going to bore you with epidemiology, my simple goal is to let you know how this could be prevented by going for the appropriate test.
• The screening for cervical cancer is pap smear.
• It is often done routinely from 25 years old.
• It is done 3 yearly from 25 to 39 years old or 5 yearly if done with HPV (Human papilloma virus) test.
• It is done 5 yearly between 40 to 54 years old.
• It is only done above 65 years if the person has never been screened before the age of 50years, or if there are symptoms suggestive of cervical cancer.
 
TAKE HOME
 
Elderly care, like I said in my previous posts does not start at 65 years . It starts from birth. Your health status at 65 years would be a direct reflection of how you have managed your health since  birth. You would realize that most of the tests I discussed in this post are often commenced from when people are at adulthood and middle age, not when they are elderly at 65years.
If you are at your adulthood or middle age and you are reading this, you would do yourself a huge favour by making this medical screenings a priority.
Likewise, if you have aged parents at home, please do take them for some of these tests.
Admittedly, some of the tests may not be necessary at some age, your physician would advice you more on this.
 
AUTHOR 
 
My name is Adesuyi Adesina, the founder and CEO of  Ganat Healthcare Initiative. I am passionate about the care and health of older persons in our society. Senior citizens deserve good elderly care homes and better healthcare services.
 
 

FINAL STAGE OF LIFE AND THE REQUIRED CARE

It was Haruki Murakami who said; DEATH IS NOT THE OPPOSITE OF LIFE, BUT A PART OF IT. It is not easy losing loved ones to the cold hands of death, even when they are aged. However, the understanding and acceptance of Haruki’s statement would greatly help us through this inevitable process of life.
My focus in this post is to help you understand  what you  can do, as you watch your elderly or aged ones go through this stage of life.
 
 
 
SIGNS OF FINAL STAGE OF LIFE AND REQUIRED INTERVENTION / CARE.
 
I. LACK OF INTEREST IN ACTIVITIES : As death approaches, the elderly people at this stage of life become withdrawn, nothing seems to attract them at this point . Their attention span at this point would have greatly nosedived. Most times, they just want to be left alone.
 
INTERVENTION/CARE
 
• Do not force them into any activities.
• You can talk to them about activities they are normally interested in.
• Let them know how they have touched your life, or that of some else through such activities.
• If you have a video record or pictures of such activities you can show it to them.
• Let them know it is absolutely alright if they no longer have the strength to do these things. It gives them a sense of satisfaction and fulfilment.
 
 
II. ANXIETY : The fear of unknown would be so palpable at this point. The religious ones would probably be thinking about heaven or hell, they have not been there, but they have heard about it. Others might be thinking about their past lives, companies and families they are going to leave behind. They wish they could have a glimpsed of what would happen and not knowing this, is what actually breed the fear of unknown.
 
 INTERVENTION/CARE
 
• Be quick and don’t be tired of reassuring them 
• Be hopeful around them.
• Let your speech and thoughts be positive around them.
• Allow them to express how they feel, it makes them feel better and it will help you to understand how you can be of help.
• Don’t be judgemental in addressing any concerns raised by them.
• Respect their spirituality and grant their desire to see their clergymen or perform their spiritual rituals. It leads to a peaceful death.
 
 
III. POOR HYGIENE : During the final stage of life, the loss of personal and environmental hygiene are mostly common. Personal hygiene such as , brushing the mouth, toilet hygiene and even bathing would be affected. Some senior citizens might not be able to control their stool ( faecal incontinence). Similarly, they need help with environmental hygiene.
 
INTERVENTION/CARE
 
• Ensure their oral care by brushing for them with toothbrush or cotton wool depending on the situation if they already lack the ability to do so.
• Check and clean their anus at intervals when soiled with faeces.
• Attend to their hair by combing it.
• If they are not ambulant, carry out bed bath by cleaning the body with soap, water and a small bath towel.
• Make sure their surroundings are clean and free from objects that can injure them and cause further harm.
 
 
IV. DIFFICULTY IN BREATHING : Grunting or laboured respiration is  not uncommon  at the final stage of life. At this point, oxygen or suctioning would probably not do any good . It is mostly not necessary.
                               
INTERVENTION/CARE
 
• Put them in a more comfortable position.
• Invite a home health professional for review.
 
 
V. IMMOBILITY : Often, final stage of life can occur in combination with some ailments, which can render patient immobile or bed ridden.
 
INTERVENTION/CARE
 
• Turn elderly from side to side every 2hours to prevent pressure sore.
 
 
VI. LOSS OF APPETITE:
 
A dying elderly person would probably not be able to eat.
 
INTERVENTION/CARE
 
• Perform mouth care at least twice daily to increase appetite.
• Offer water with straw if they are able to sip.
• Do not force feed them.
 
 
VII. EXCESSIVE SLEEP AND COLD: This is very common at a dying stage.
 
INTERVENTION/CARE
 
• Do not startle them.
• Do not raise your voice at them.
• You can tap or speak to them gently , they might be sleeping but most times they still hear.
• You can play their favourite music.
• You can sit beside them and gently touch them and hold their hands, they might not be able to talk sometimes but they can feel.
 
 
SEVEN (7) GOLDEN RULES OF FAREWELL
 
When it is time to bid someone who is at the final stage of life farewell, there are seven rules you must follow:
 
1. Be physically present. This is priceless, the worth cannot be quantified. The satisfaction is enormous!
 
2. It is not a one time thing. It is what you do every time as the person goes through the stage of dying.
 
3. There are several ways of saying it. Sometimes, it is by putting a flower beside them, at other times, it might be by placing their head on your laps, and another way is by saying it. Also, you can bring their grand children to bid them farewell.
 
4. Let them know they are forgiven if they have ever hurt you. Nothing is more important at the final stage of life than reconciliation and making peace.
 
5. Let them know their last words would be cherished.
 
6. Ask or write it in a paper, asking them if there is anything they would want you to do for them. That is if they can still comprehend.
 
7. Let them know it is normal to die, this brings about acceptance on the part of the dying person and the person saying farewell.
                                                         
 
 
AUTHOR
 
My name is Adesuyi Adesina, the founder and CEO of  Ganat Healthcare Initiative. I am passionate about the care and health of older persons in our society. Senior citizens deserve good elderly care homes and better healthcare services.

ENSURING A PEACEFUL LIFE FOR OLDER ADULTS /SENIOR CITIZENS

ENSURING A PEACEFUL LIFE FOR OLDER ADULTS /SENIOR CITIZENS
 
Old age is what everyone looks up to, this is a golden period for those who have served their countries, families and communities to be taken care of and to be served in return.
 
 
At Ganat Healthcare Initiative (GHI), ” Ageing is a blessing ” this is our motto. How then can we ensure a peaceful  life for the elderly?
 
This is a tripartite process, which involves individual , family and the government roles.
 
 
 
 
INDIVIDUAL ROLES
 
To change the world, it begins with you. As an individual, you are aware that you would grow old one day. Therefore, you owe yourself the responsibility of taking conscious actions towards this part of your life before it comes. There are three areas you should concentrate on:
 
I. PLANNING : Like the popular saying goes “He who fails to plan,has planned to fail.”  The best time to start planning and preparing for your old age was yesterday, but today is still another opportunity. Start a pension scheme, buy shares in companies as much as you can afford, and think of starting your own company. Plan for twenty years to come, plan for fifty years to come. Plan, plan and plan. Never leave your future in the hands of others.
 
II. LIVING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE: This is very important because the way your body looks at a latter age is a reflection of how your body was used at your young/early age. This is the time to, cut down  on alcohol consumption, stop smoking, adequate fluid intake, and regular exercise. Failure to live a healthy lifestyle at a younger age would have a tremendous effect on you at an older age.
 
III. INVEST IN YOUR CHILDREN AND OTHERS: These are the people that will take care of you in your latter years. Investment in human beings yield the highest dividend!
 
GOVERNMENT ROLES
 
In ensuring a peaceful life for senior citizens, the government should brace up, and take the lead in this noble course, which can be done in the following ways:
 
I. ESTABLISHMENT OF ELDERLY CARE HOMES: It is obvious, that in most societies today, there are inadequacies of such facilities. If looked into, this will go a long way in making life easier for most senior citizens roaming the streets today.
 
II. FREE AND QUALITY MEDICAL CARE: This can never be overemphasized, it’s been addressed by several organisations. Yet , there is no significant improvement. Health insurance for the elderly should be covered by the government, or at least 50 to 60% of their health expenses.
 
III. RESEARCH FUNDING FOR GERIATRIC CARE: The more support  that organizations get from the  government and other donors in the aspect of funding, the better the outcome of geriatric care and programmes.
 
IV. PROMPT PAYMENT OF PENSIONS: I consider it unfair, and I mean really unfair to owe pensioners. Most of these pensioners depend on it for their livelihoods. Thus, Ganat Healthcare Initiative (GHI) is appealing to the government and other agencies responsible for the administration and payment of pensions, to kindly ensure that our senior citizens are paid promptly.
 
V. PUBLIC AWARENESS: Government, through the ministries of information and health should create more awareness and sensitization programmes that border on elderly care. This will further improve and help to change the public’s orientation towards the elderly people in our society.
 
FAMILY ROLES
 
I previously made a post on the roles of family in ensuring the wellbeing of the elderly, kind read it here
 
 
AUTHOR
 
My name is Adesuyi Adesina, the founder and CEO of  Ganat Healthcare Initiative. I am passionate about the care and health of older persons in our society. Senior citizens deserve good elderly care homes and better healthcare services.