JUTH COMMEMORATES NATIONAL DAY OF OLDER PERSONS, ADVOCATES HEALTHY AGEING AND INTEGRATED GERIATRIC CARE
The Jos University Teaching Hospital has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting healthy ageing and improving the care and well-being of older persons as it commemorated the 2026 National Day of Older Persons on Monday, October 5, 2026, under the theme, “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Life.”
The programme brought together JUTH Management and staff, members of the JUTH Geriatric Care Committee, older persons, family members and caregivers, health professionals, representatives of professional associations and the media.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the JUTH Geriatric Committee, Dr. Ma’an, highlighted the importance of recognising and supporting older persons as valuable members of families and communities. He also recalled the history of the observance in Nigeria and JUTH’s role in commemorating the occasion, including hosting the Plateau State celebration in 2023.
Representing the Chief Medical Director, the CMAC, Dr. Njem Miner, emphasised the importance of caring for older persons and learning from their experiences and healthy habits. He disclosed that JUTH had constituted a committee towards establishing a geriatric clinic to provide multidisciplinary care, stressing that ageing should not be regarded as a disease and that older persons should be supported to remain socially integrated and enjoy their later years.
Presenting the main exposition on the theme, Dr. Esther Samaila explained that longevity goes beyond living longer to maintaining physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing throughout life. She called for age-friendly systems in healthcare, social protection, employment, housing, transportation and other areas, while encouraging families, communities, government and older persons themselves to promote healthy ageing.
The programme also featured presentations on physical activity and nutrition. Dr. Benjamin Joshua highlighted the benefits of appropriately prescribed physical activity for older persons, including improved cardiovascular health, blood sugar management and mental wellbeing, while Dietitian, Mrs. Okaro encouraged nutritious, balanced and affordable diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and healthy sources of protein. Participants were also encouraged to maintain social connections, adequate sleep and other healthy lifestyle practices.
In her closing remarks, DCMAC and Chairman of the Association of Public Health Physicians of NigeriaPlateaustate Branch, Professor Chundung Miner, appreciated JUTH Management, Heads of Departments, the Geriatric Committee, the Association of Public Health Physicians and other participants for their contributions. She reaffirmed JUTH’s commitment to developing an elderly-friendly system that minimises unnecessary movement and waiting time for older persons seeking care.
The event concluded with a renewed call for older persons to enjoy longer lives with good health, dignity, purpose and social support. JUTH also announced plans for a further outreach programme for another group of older persons.
GALLERY
