The health and policy advocacy group, Blue Medics, recently emphasized the importance of prioritizing healthy ageing to ensure older persons live longer, healthier, and more dignified lives. As the official health service provider for the 2026 United Nations International Day of Older Persons commemoration in Akuapem North, Blue Medics provided medical care and health-related education to participating older persons. The event, held at the Grace Presbyterian Church Auditorium in Akropong Akuapem, was organized by the University of Ghana's Centre for Ageing Studies and the Office of the Akuapem North Member of Parliament, Samuel Awuku.
The commemoration, held on October 1, 2026, had the theme "The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives," with the slogan "Growing Old! Growing Bold!" Blue Medics' participation in the event was in line with its commitment to health advocacy and ensuring that health considerations remain central to discussions about ageing. The organization's convener, Daniel Appiah, highlighted the need for a focus on healthy ageing, stating that it requires attention to people's wellbeing throughout different stages of life.
According to the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Ghana's population aged 60 years and above increased substantially between 1960 and 2021 and is projected to reach 5.7 million by 2050. This highlights the need for stronger healthcare, social protection, and care systems to support older persons. Mr. Appiah's comments align with the focus of the 2026 United Nations observance, which calls on governments, civil society, the private sector, and other stakeholders to consider how additional years of life can translate into healthy, productive, dignified, and equitable lives.
The event featured an interaction between the Akuapem North MP, Samuel Awuku, and older constituents, including a 101-year-old constituent who received a wheelchair donated by Mr. Awuku to support his mobility. The MP emphasized the need for the younger generation to respect and care for older persons, stating that "how we want to be honoured in our later stages in life, we need to honour this same older generation." The programme provided an opportunity for Mr. Awuku's office to support older persons with medical care, talks, wheelchairs, and other basic needs.
The collaboration between the MP's office, the Centre for Ageing Studies, and Blue Medics brought together social support, ageing research, and healthcare as part of the local observance of the International Day of Older Persons. The event also included the distribution of wheelchairs and other forms of assistance to older persons. Blue Medics' participation in the programme formed part of its commitment to health advocacy and ensuring that health considerations remain central to discussions about ageing.
The Akuapem North MP's initiative was aimed at showing appreciation to older persons and providing them with practical support. Mr. Awuku stated that the programme provided an opportunity for his office to support older persons with medical care, talks, wheelchairs, and other basic needs while encouraging society to give them the respect, courtesy, love, and affection they deserve.
The commemoration of the International Day of Older Persons in Akuapem North highlights the need for collective action to support the wellbeing of older persons in Ghana. With the country's population aged 60 years and above projected to reach 5.7 million by 2050, it is essential that stakeholders prioritize healthy ageing and provide support for older persons to live longer, healthier, and more dignified lives.
Key points
- Blue Medics emphasizes the need for attention to healthy ageing to ensure older persons live longer, healthier, and more dignified lives.
- The 2026 United Nations International Day of Older Persons commemoration in Akuapem North highlights the need for collective action to support the wellbeing of older persons in Ghana.
- Ghana's population aged 60 years and above is projected to reach 5.7 million by 2050, emphasizing the need for stronger healthcare, social protection, and care systems.
