The Tunisian Health Ministry has released a set of recommendations for elderly citizens to prevent diseases and maintain their health and independence on the occasion of World Seniors' Day, which falls on October 1, 2026. The ministry's guidelines aim to promote healthy aging and encourage early screening for chronic diseases.
The ministry advises elderly citizens to adopt a balanced and healthy diet, low in saturated fats, salt, and sugars, and to avoid overeating and consuming food outside of meal times. Regular physical activity suitable for each age group is also recommended. Furthermore, the ministry stresses the importance of quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol consumption to prevent aging-related diseases.
In addition to a healthy lifestyle, the ministry recommends regular screening for chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, before the onset of old age, particularly for high-risk individuals. The ministry also emphasizes the importance of detecting osteoporosis and aging-related diseases to prevent loss of independence among elderly citizens.
For individuals with chronic diseases, the ministry advises adherence to medical prescriptions, healthy habits, and regular medical check-ups and self-care. The ministry also stresses the importance of preventing epidemics and diseases through vaccination against seasonal flu and other diseases.
The ministry highlights the significance of promoting social integration among elderly citizens, helping them overcome isolation, and managing stress and psychological pressures. Providing necessary care for elderly patients or those who have lost their independence and assisting them in meeting their needs and monitoring their health is also crucial.
The recommendations aim to prevent diseases and disorders that may affect elderly citizens, including diabetes, hypertension, functional and sensory impairments, and mental and neurological disorders, such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease. These conditions often lead to a decline in cognitive and perceptual abilities.
To mark World Seniors' Day, the ministry, in partnership with various stakeholders, is organizing an awareness campaign through media outlets, as well as a celebratory event on Habib Bourguiba Street on October 1, and multiple medical days for residents in elderly care centers. The program also includes regional and local awareness campaigns, screening for aging-related diseases, and visits to elderly patients at home.
Key points
- Tunisian Health Ministry advises elderly citizens to adopt a healthy lifestyle to prevent aging-related diseases.
- Early screening for chronic diseases is crucial for elderly citizens.
- Promoting social integration among elderly citizens is essential for their well-being.
