Elderly people in Kenya have been encouraged to take charge of their health and wellbeing to prevent, delay or better manage lifestyle-related diseases. Health experts say conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and some mental health disorders can significantly affect the quality of life of older people. Many of these conditions can be prevented or managed through healthier lifestyles, including regular physical activity, nutritious food, adequate sleep, social connections and regular medical attention.
The call to action was made during celebrations to mark the International Day of Older Persons at Zetech University Technology Park, Mang’u Campus. Vice Chancellor Njenga Munene emphasized that changing family and employment patterns meant older people could not entirely depend on their children for their day-to-day wellbeing. Many children are working in different parts of the country or abroad, making it difficult for them to care for their ageing parents.
Prof Munene urged older people to adopt healthy habits that would enable them to remain independent and active for as long as possible. He emphasized that taking care of one's health is the responsibility of the individual. Former Transitional Authority chairman Kinuthia Wamwangi, a founding partner of the Institute of Ageing Studies at Zetech University, shared his experience on the importance of regular exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Wamwangi, who is also an ambassador for older persons, said he previously walked about eight kilometres every day but had adjusted his routine as he grew older. He now focuses on 40 minutes of vigorous exercise rather than distance covered. Wamwangi emphasized that exercise is only one part of maintaining good health, and that proper nutrition, adequate sleep and emotional wellbeing are equally important.
Physician Dr Joseph Gichui said ageing should not prevent people from living full and active lives, noting that lifestyle changes can help prevent and manage several conditions affecting older people. He cited diabetes, hypertension and some mental health conditions, including depression, among illnesses that can be addressed through regular exercise, proper nutrition and maintaining social connections.
Dr Cheruiyot of St Mathias Mulumba Hospital emphasized the importance of proper diabetes management and regular physical activity in preventing serious complications. He warned that poor blood sugar control can contribute to the narrowing of blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attacks, kidney disease and stroke. The experts encouraged older people to remain physically and socially active while seeking medical care when necessary.
The celebrations provided an opportunity for older people to participate in physical and recreational activities, including cycling, walking, ball games, netball and dancing. They also benefited from free medical check-ups, haircuts, manicure and pedicure services, among other activities. The events aimed to promote healthy ageing and encourage older people to take charge of their wellbeing.
Key points
- Experts urge elderly Kenyans to adopt healthy habits to prevent, delay or manage lifestyle-related diseases.
- Changing family and employment patterns mean older people must take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing.
- Regular exercise, proper nutrition and social connections can help prevent and manage conditions affecting older people, such as diabetes and hypertension.
