ISSUES IN COUNSELLING THE MIDDLE AGED ON HEALTHY LIVING IN NIGERIA

Abdullahi Hauwa Muhammad (Mrs); Dr. (Mrs.) S. Kolawole & Justina Nwokocha

Abstract

This paper examines the concept of middle aged adults and aging in our society. In Nigeria today, the attitudes towards adulthood and aging are becoming very worrisome, because it has been observed that, many adolescents are physically and psychologically ill-prepared for the challenges that come with old age which could be due to ignorance. Middle age is a period of test of life experiences, and the life wire for social and economic development of the nation. People in this age bracket are known for adventure, innovativeness and zeal for advancement. Middle life adults contribute much to the national economy, as they constitute the bulk of the work force. In life, what a person fails to achieve during mid-life stage, might be difficult, or it might not be possible to achieve in later life. Planning for ageing today, entails more challenges and more opportunities without regrets in later life. It is of importance for an individual to take a bold step in determined efforts to plan, save and invest in order to secure a better standard of living even in old age. The paper analyzed the concepts of ageing and stages of adulthood, with the counselling and coping strategies on how to live healthy and satisfactory ageing processes.