Lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and mental health conditions increasingly threaten the health and quality of life of older people in Kenya. Experts are urging Kenyans to adopt regular exercise, nutritious diets, and healthier lifestyles to mitigate these risks. According to health experts, many conditions associated with ageing can be prevented, managed, or delayed through simple lifestyle changes.
At a recent event celebrating the International Day of Older Persons at Zetech University's Mang'u campus in Juja, Kiambu County, experts led by Kinuthia Wamwangi, 77, Zetech VC Prof. Njenga Munene, and Dr. Joseph Gichui emphasized the importance of older people taking greater responsibility for their health. They noted that changing family structures and increased migration mean many elderly people can no longer rely on their children for physical care.
The experts highlighted that older people should incorporate manageable physical activities, such as walking, into their daily routines, alongside eating balanced diets and getting adequate rest. Dr. Gichui noted that regular exercise, healthy eating, and maintaining social connections can help prevent or manage lifestyle-related illnesses, including diabetes and hypertension.
During the celebrations, tens of elderly persons participated in various physical activities, including cycling, playing walking ball, and netball. They also benefited from free medical check-ups provided by medics from various hospitals and enjoyed free services such as haircuts, manicure, and pedicure.
The experts stressed that ageing should not automatically translate into inactivity or dependence. Instead, older people are encouraged to remain physically and socially active while seeking medical care when necessary. They noted that maintaining healthy habits earlier in life can help reduce the burden of lifestyle diseases and preserve independence in old age.
VC Munene noted that some children work in other parts of the country or abroad, making it difficult for them to provide day-to-day support to their ageing parents. Wamwangi, who has incorporated regular physical activity into his routine, advised older people to focus on manageable activities, such as 40 minutes of vigorous walking.
The experts also warned about the complications associated with poorly controlled diabetes and emphasized the importance of social interaction, saying isolation can affect the mental and emotional wellbeing of older people. They encouraged older people to live full and productive lives, with ageing not being a barrier to activity and engagement.
Key points
- Experts urge older people to adopt regular exercise and healthy diets to prevent, manage or delay lifestyle diseases associated with ageing.
- Changing family structures and increased migration mean many elderly people can no longer rely on their children for physical care.
- Ageing should not automatically translate into inactivity or dependence, with older people encouraged to remain physically and socially active.
