The National Pension Commission (PenCom) says it will inaugurate its PenCare healthcare initiative for retirees in November to improve access to medical services and support their welfare.

The Director-General of PenCom, Omolola Oloworaran, announced this at the Senior Citizens Fair during the National Pension Week 2026 in Abuja on Wednesday.

Ms Oloworaran said the initiative was designed to improve retirees’ access to healthcare and address concerns over rising medical expenses and inadequate retirement income.

She said the pilot phase was already underway to test the programme before its wider implementation across the country.

The director-general said the initiative’s inauguration, initially scheduled for Thursday, was postponed because of scheduling challenges.

Ms Oloworaran said the commission remained committed to ensuring that healthcare formed an integral part of retirement welfare and protection.

She said retirees deserved dignified lives after years of service and should not struggle to afford essential medical treatment.

Ms Oloworaran also identified disparities in pension payments among retirees in comparable circumstances as an anomaly requiring urgent attention from relevant authorities.

She said PenCom would continue developing policies, laws and regulatory frameworks to protect pensioners and improve pension administration nationwide.

The director-general urged retirees to provide feedback on their experiences to help the commission identify service gaps and strengthen its policies.

She added that PenCom would sustain engagement with labour unions and other stakeholders to address pension-related concerns and improve service delivery.

A consultant geriatrician and Founder of JBS Gerontology Centre, Olutoyin Akande-Ajala, urged senior citizens to prioritise healthy aging and maintain active lifestyles.

Ms Akande-Ajala, who spoke virtually at the fair, said retirement should be viewed as a new chapter for purposeful, active and fulfilling living.

She explained that healthy aging involved maintaining the ability to perform daily activities, preserve independence and participate meaningfully in family and community life.

The medical expert advised retirees to seek early medical attention for persistent health changes, including recurrent falls, unexplained weight loss and significant memory problems.

Ms Akande-Ajala recommended regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, routine medical checks and proper management of existing health conditions to promote healthy aging.

She also advised older persons to take prescribed medicines correctly, avoid self-medication, and consult healthcare professionals before changing their treatment.

Ms Akande-Ajala emphasised that maintaining social connections, engaging in mentally stimulating activities and addressing loneliness were important for emotional and cognitive well-being.

The geriatrician urged families and caregivers to respect older persons’ independence, involve them in decisions and provide appropriate support.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Finance at PenCom, Charles Emukowhate, urged retirees to remain purposeful and use their experience to mentor younger generations.

He said retirement offered senior citizens opportunities to share knowledge, strengthen community relationships and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Mr Emukowhate also cautioned pensioners against fraudsters promising to double their savings or offering suspicious investment opportunities.

He advised retirees to verify unsolicited offers with PenCom and their respective Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) before making financial decisions.

He assured participants that PenCom would continue supervising the pension industry to protect retirement savings and promote timely payment of benefits.

Mr Emukowhate commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the settlement of N758 billion in inherited pension liabilities, describing it as a significant commitment to pension administration.

He said the fair featured wellness activities, complimentary health checks, pension information sessions and discussions on improving retirees’ welfare.

Participants also had opportunities to obtain information about PenCare and its health insurance registration process.

The event brought together retirees, pension beneficiaries, pension experts and other stakeholders to discuss healthcare access, financial security and healthy aging.

The Senior Citizens Fair formed part of activities marking the National Pension Week 2026.

The fair also highlighted the need for a pension system that supports retirees’ financial security, dignity and overall well-being.

(NAN)