The Tema Urban Hospital has launched an initiative to promote the health and well-being of older persons in its catchment area. The Medical Superintendent of the facility and geriatrician, Dr Lenusia Ahlija, announced the programme during the 2026 International Day of Older Persons celebration on October 1. The event brought together over 200 older adults for health education, free medical screening, and social interaction. The programme was organised in collaboration with the office of the Member of Parliament for Tema West.
Dr Ahlija called for concerted efforts to make hospitals, Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, homes, and public spaces more friendly and accessible to older persons. She stressed the need for the Ministry of Health's ageing policy to be effectively implemented, with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals receiving training to address the specific healthcare needs of older adults. This, she believes, will improve care for older persons and create healthcare and social environments where they can access services with dignity and ease.
As part of the celebration, participants benefited from free screening services, including blood pressure and blood sugar checks, weight measurements, eye examinations, hearing assessments, and dental screening. Dr Ahlija said the initiative aimed to encourage older persons to pay greater attention to their health and seek medical attention early when they experience symptoms or health concerns. She encouraged older adults to use nearby health facilities for regular medical check-ups rather than waiting until their conditions deteriorated.
The Tema Urban Hospital has a geriatrician and provides comprehensive screening services to support the healthcare needs of older people. Dr Ahlija said the hospital would use the month-long initiative to expand health education and screening for older persons, including assessments for memory-related problems and guidance on healthy living. The initiative also aims to engage older persons on preventive healthcare and encourage them to take greater responsibility for their health through regular medical assessments.
Dr Ahlija identified loneliness and social isolation as challenges confronting older persons, particularly retirees whose children have moved away from home for employment or other opportunities. She called on churches, companies, and organisations to create platforms for older persons and retirees to interact, build relationships, and remain socially engaged. This, she believes, can contribute significantly to their emotional and social well-being.
Dr Ahlija also reminded women that October is observed as Pink October, a breast cancer awareness campaign. She encouraged older women and eligible women to visit the hospital for breast examinations and seek referrals for mammograms where necessary. She stressed the importance of early detection and urged women to take advantage of available screening services to protect their health.
The International Day of Older Persons is observed annually on October 1 to recognise the contributions of older people and raise awareness of issues affecting their rights, dignity, health, and overall well-being. The Tema Urban Hospital's October initiative aims to promote greater attention to the health and social needs of older persons within the community. The hospital's decision to dedicate October to older persons will provide further opportunities to educate them on preventive healthcare, healthy living, and the importance of regular medical assessments.
Key points
- The Tema Urban Hospital has launched a month-long initiative to provide free health screening and education to older persons in its catchment area.
- Dr Lenusia Ahlija called for concerted efforts to make hospitals and public spaces more friendly and accessible to older persons.
- The initiative aims to promote greater attention to the health and social needs of older persons within the community.
