By Anthonia Akanji
One thing that a lot of people dread most is old age, considering the many challenges associated with it.
These include: loss of memory, ill health, reduced physical activities, tiredness and other health problems.
The fact remains that ageing is inevitable.
According to the United Nations 2019 report, the number of older people will triple by 2050.
What can be done to ensure good health for the ageing population?
Ageing, according to Wikipedia, involves changes in a human being over time, which cut across the physical, psychological and social life.
These changes affect reasoning, which can predispose many to sickness such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and mental problems.
Records show that, out of the estimated 150,000 people who die daily across the globe, two-thirds die from age-related causes, lifestyle choices and socioeconomic conditions.
This underscores the importance of giving adequate attention to the health of people from fifty and above.
Some stakeholders in health spoke extensively on the issue, giving their recipe as garnered from personal experience and from working with older people.
Secretary, Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Oyo State Council, who is also the PRO of the union in the South West, Dr Olusegun Abatan, described ageing as a grace if one adhered to the right daily living.
“ Take life easy, there are so many problems around, social, economic, don’t allow such to weigh you down. Take good nourishing food and not anyhow food, don’t eat too much, take portion sizes of food, more vegetables, protein fruits and fibres like Quaker oats, take lots of water, like three liters a day, don’t wait until you are thirsty before drinking, ensure you drink it slowly without gulping “
Contributing, a Geriatric Social Worker and Executive Director, Center on Ageing Development and Rights in Ibadan, Mr Olayinka Ajomale cautioned young people from engaging in activities that could adversely affect their lives when they eventually become old.
“As a geriatric social worker, I’ve been privileged to work with people in that cohort and over the last 23 years I’ve realized that decisions we take, our actions and inactions have a lot of impact on what happens to us when we get old“.
Harping on contentment as key to happiness in life, a public affairs analyst based in the US, Mr Olatunde Adelakun, urged people in this category to be grateful for what they have, irrespective of their circumstances.
“Aside from contentment, physical activities are important, go to the gym or walk around your neighborhood for like 20 to 30 minutes early in the morning or when the sun goes down. Spend time with your grandchildren, they will engage and stimulate you. You should also get into one or two things that you are passionate about, things you like doing, enjoy your life, enjoy today, tomorrow is not given”
Consultant Geriatric Psychiatrist, University of Ibadan, Dr Olufisayo Elugbadebo, counseled elders to take care of cardiovascular risk factors like diabetes and hypertension while paying closer attention to their vital signs like BP reading and blood sugar levels, which would go a long way in helping them to live well.
Speaking with nostalgia, Mrs Olusola Ojewale, who is 78 years old, told Radio Nigeria that she gets tired easily and finds it difficult doing chores that she used to do without stress while younger.
Also, a community leader, Chief Moshood Bamitale, expressed sadness about his inability to read Yoruba literature, which was a delight for him in those days.
Different strokes for different folks, a Deputy Director of Nursing at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Mrs Grace Adekoya, said she was as active as she was when she joined the hospital as a staff and at home.
The experts recommended social engagements such as getting involved in religious activities, community programmes, social clubs, and avoiding situations that can make them lonely.
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