Men at age Sixty-two: Why I don't live in Nigeria and my two Wishes

ABUJA, Nigeria - Dec. 14, 2023 - PRLog -- Reflections on life and the future fill the minds of men who turn sixty-two. Preoccupation with roots of origin and family matters dominates their psyche. For me, more so because I have nine siblings, most of my thoughts are rooted in my family in Nigeria and abroad and my kids.

On occasions, while consulting with my patients and their families, I would confide in them that I am tired of practicing in the United States and that I would like to consult and treat children in my local government area of Ideato North or those at Owerri, the capital of Imo state, or those at Onitsha where I grew up and went to elementary school.

"I am tired of practicing here; I would like to return home to Nigeria and practice," I said.

"But we need you here," they reply.

"Well, my people need me more," I said, half confidently.

Half confidently because I knew exactly why I could not go back and practice in Imo State or Onitsha. So much carnage.

People living in different parts of Nigeria might indeed have different working and living experiences. Still, the experiences of those of us whose relatives live in Imo state, Anambra, and Abia state of Nigeria are horrible. A family real estate lawyer walking down the street got mowed down by a vehicle and died. A first-class honor sixty-five-year-old relative went to a teaching hospital to attend to his prostate and did not return home. Spectators watch a doctor die in the street after getting shot by unknown gunmen.

Pave the road, provide security, generate stable electricity, straighten out stagnant gutters, and control mosquito infestation and traffic, and I will be the first to come down and set up a pediatric practice in Owerri. This could be a way of giving back to a country that gave me so much in my adolescence and youth.

Men at sixty-two are not done and out. To onlookers, they might appear to have the physical frailty of aging, but don't be fooled, for at this age, men's minds are still coupled with fearlessness. So, expect sharp responses and strong reactions when you challenge their ideas and resolve; more so, since reflections and thinking over events are their preoccupation, they must undoubtedly have given their ideas considerable thought before sharing them.

By age sixty-two, men have had more than their fair share of life traumatic experiences, perhaps including significant financial and health challenges, the loss of parents, family members, and friends.

Staying optimistic, eating healthy (plant-based food), and exercising routinely are the nuts and bolts that keep men at sixty-two going strong. Sleeping is big. Hitting those seven to eight hours of sleep each night resets our minds to go out and face another day.

What gives me the most pleasure at age sixty-two is talking with my siblings, my kids, my wife, my hundreds of nephews and nieces, and my cousins. Hearing from classmates, teachers, students, and well-wishers provokes similar sentiments. Additionally, I enjoy playing soccer and working on my podcast.

Undoubtedly, I am lucky to be living and practicing in the United States of America, where the government cares for its people and provides them with resources and opportunities to succeed and better manage their lives with each passing year.

If I had a magic wand and made a wish, it would be to meet with General Yakubu Gowon, and President Olusegun Obasanjo. Anyone with credible leads, please email me at aanyoha@gmail.com.

Thank Goodness, I am sixty-two years old. May God Continue to bless the USA, and may God help Nigeria.

Books - Modern Era Pediatrics

On Call With Dr. Anselm Anyoha (google.com)

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