By Kamsi Anayo
A 95 year-old Mrs Elizabeth Nwadije and 93 year-old Mrs Cecilia Nwokoye were among many elderly who benefitted in the free medical outreach to commemorate the International Day of Older persons in Anambra state.
The event was packaged by
Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation (ADF), in collaboration with the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) Anambra State Stakeholders Consultative Forum and Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN).
Others are Alzheimer’s Disease Association of Nigeria (ADAN), DQS Elderly Care, Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria (COSROPIN), NAUTH Elders Group and Elderly Persons Association of Nigeria (EPAN).
This year’s theme is “Fulfilling the Promises of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for Older Persons”.
Speaking at the event celebrated with elders from different communities across Anambra State, at the Ignatius Akubude Centre, Amawbia, Anambra state, Mrs Josephine Anenih, the sponsor, said it was a fulfilling eventful day.
“It was a day packed with memorable and fun-filled activities,” she said.
She, however, called for more volunteers from wealthy Nigerians, politicians and youths both students and non students as well as those seeking admissions into higher institutions of learning and Youth Corpers in the issue of the elderly.
She lamented that Nigerians hardly participate actively in matters involving the elderly.
“We should remember that one day we will get old and be in such position, and will look forward to getting good treatment form our young ones
Anenih called for attitudinal change by Nigerians and also government officials concerning the elderly.
Other speakers at the event also spoke on the establishment and encouraging strides of the NSCC.
They also spoke on several topics such healthy living life styles, self care not being selfish, preventing dementia, rights of older persons, use and abuse of medications, access to health care and health insurance.
The older persons had the opportunity to speak about their experiences and recommendations on how to make their lives more meaningful and enjoyable.
There were exercises and dancing sessions by the participants, which Dr Mrs Ngozi Chukwuka, a retired NYSC Director recommended for the elderly.
Dr Uzoma Okereke and other medical doctors from Amaku General Hospital, Awka and Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi were on ground to render medical services to people.
