The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Kwara State Chapter, has urged older Nigerians to embrace balanced diets, regular medical check-ups and healthy lifestyles to prevent age-related diseases and improve their quality of life. The chapter’s Chairman, Munirat Kikelomo Bello, gave the advice in Ilorin while delivering a lecture at a one-day health sensitisation programme organised by the Kwara State Chapter of the National League of Veteran Journalists (NALVEJ).
Bello, who spoke on the topic, “Nutrition, Diet and Healthy Ageing,” emphasised that proper nutrition and healthy living were essential for preventing diseases and managing health conditions associated with ageing. She identified arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases as some of the conditions that could be prevented or better managed through appropriate dietary choices and healthy lifestyle practices.
The pharmacist stressed that old age should not be viewed as a period when people must accept ill health, noting that adequate nutrition, regular physical activity and timely medical care could significantly improve the well-being of older adults. She encouraged veteran journalists and other elderly Nigerians to pay closer attention to their nutritional needs and adopt healthy habits that would enable them to remain active and enjoy a better quality of life.
Also speaking at the programme, former Editor-in-Chief of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Muftau Ojo, urged members of the league to prioritise their health, warning that ignorance of their health conditions could lead to serious consequences. Ojo highlighted the importance of regular medical examinations, early detection of illnesses and prompt medical attention whenever unusual symptoms occur.
He advised the veteran journalists to take advantage of available healthcare services and embrace preventive healthcare practices to maintain their health and remain active in old age. Earlier, the Chairman of NALVEJ, Kwara State Chapter, Alhaji Tunde Akanbi, described the lecture as timely and insightful, noting that it was organised as part of the league’s welfare initiatives to keep members healthy and informed about age-related health challenges.
Akanbi commended the PSN chairman for accepting the invitation and delivering the lecture, assuring members that the league would sustain health education programmes to promote their well-being. The participants also commended the organisers and the PSN for the initiative, describing the programme as relevant to journalists who had spent several decades in active service. In his vote of thanks, the Assistant Secretary of NALVEJ in Kwara State, Felix Ajide, said participants had gained valuable health knowledge and urged members to apply the lessons by making their well-being a priority.
Ajide thanked Bello for honouring the league’s invitation and delivering the lecture, while praying for God’s continued blessings upon her.
