A consultant psychiatrist at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Dr. Folakemi Ogundele, has warned that the lifestyle choices people make in their youthful years heavily influence the peace, stability, and health they enjoy in old age.
Dr. Ogundele gave the advice on Tuesday in Abeokuta while delivering a public lecture organised by the Beauty of Aging Initiative (BAI) in partnership with Infolite Books.
The event, themed “Mental Health of Senior Citizens: Our Roles,” held at the Press Centre, Iwe Iroyin, drew participants from diverse sectors, including students from higher institutions.
Speaking on the lifelong impact of early habits, Ogundele stressed that individuals who cultivate healthy behaviours early are better positioned to cope with the emotional and physical realities of ageing.
“People who live right at a younger age will not find it difficult to adjust to the challenges of old age,” she said. “Maintaining a healthy lifestyle early increases the chances of enjoying peace, balance, and emotional stability later in life.”
She also urged younger Nigerians to show greater empathy and deliberate care towards the elderly, noting that love, patience, and attention remain essential to the wellbeing of senior citizens.
Convener of the programme, Jaji Olamilekan, said ageing should be treated as a collective responsibility, adding that society must become more intentional about supporting the elderly.
“Those who are young today will certainly become the elderly of tomorrow. What we build now determines the kind of society we will age into,” he said.
The event also featured the unveiling of Jaji’s book, “Ageing for You and Me,” published in 2023 by Infolite Books and currently available on Amazon and Selar.
As part of the ceremony, two notable Nigerians were honoured for their humanitarian impact.
Dr. Babatunde Adeyemo, founder of Oko Opo Foundation, bagged the Humanitarian Award of the Year, while Dotun Oladipupo of the Oladipupo Foundation for Sickle Cell was recognised for his outstanding service to vulnerable groups.
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