The Member of Parliament for Tema West, in collaboration with the Tema Community One Urban Health Centre, recently celebrated the 2026 International Day of Older Persons. The event, held at the Tema Polyclinic, brought together over 200 older persons for free health screening, medical education, exercise, entertainment, and social interaction. The programme aimed to promote the health, dignity, and well-being of elderly residents in the constituency.
The celebration featured various activities, including aerobics, medical education, blood pressure and blood sugar checks, vision and hearing assessments, dental screening, dancing, food, and interaction between the elderly, healthcare professionals, and community leaders. The event provided an opportunity for older persons to share their experiences, concerns, and expectations regarding healthcare and social support for the aged in Ghana.
The Tema West MP emphasized that the celebration was organised to demonstrate love, care, and appreciation for older persons who had contributed significantly to their families, the constituency, and the development of Ghana. He noted that many older persons had spent their productive years working in various professions and deserved recognition for their contributions to society.
Medical professionals from the Tema Community One Urban Health Centre used the occasion to educate participants on healthy ageing and the importance of regular medical check-ups. The Medical Superintendent of the facility and geriatrician, Dr Lenusia Ahlija, called for concerted efforts to make hospitals, CHPS compounds, homes, and public spaces more accessible and friendly to older persons.
Participants benefited from free screening services, including checks for blood pressure, blood sugar, weight, vision and eye-related conditions, hearing, and dental health. The medical team encouraged the older persons to seek medical attention early whenever they experienced health challenges rather than waiting until their conditions became severe.
Dr Ahlija identified loneliness and social isolation as some of the challenges facing older persons, particularly retirees whose children have moved away from home for work and other opportunities. She called on churches, companies, and other organisations to establish platforms that would enable retirees and older adults to interact, socialise, and remain active within their communities.
The Tema West MP disclosed that his office regularly provides assistance to constituents facing serious medical challenges and who are unable to afford their hospital bills. He encouraged older persons to register with the National Health Insurance Scheme and renew their membership when necessary to enable them to access covered healthcare services.
Key points
- The Tema West MP and Urban Health Centre collaborated to provide free health screening and medical education to over 200 older persons in the constituency.
- The event aimed to promote the health, dignity, and well-being of elderly residents in the constituency.
- Medical professionals educated participants on healthy ageing and the importance of regular medical check-ups.
