The Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria (APHPN), Plateau State Branch, has partnered with the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) Geriatric Care Committee to promote healthy ageing and strengthen care for older persons as it commemorated the 2026 International Day of Older Persons on Monday, October 5, under the theme, “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Life.”
Ahead of the main programme, APHPN, in collaboration with the novel Geriatric Care Committee, organized a health screening exercise for older persons, where participants had their blood pressure and blood sugar checked, alongside appropriate health education and counselling.
Beyond the celebration, the partnership is also supporting an important institutional goal: the establishment of a functional geriatric clinic at JUTH where older persons can access the services of different specialists in one place. This integrated approach is expected to make care more coordinated, reduce unnecessary movement and waiting time, and better respond to the varying health needs of older persons.
Speaking during the programme, the CMAC, *Dr. Njem Miner,* who represented the Chief Medical Director, *Dr. Pokop Bupwatda* highlighted JUTH’s commitment to supporting APHPN to ensure the vision continues and developing multidisciplinary geriatric services, stressing that ageing should not be regarded as a disease and that older persons deserve to live with health, dignity and social connection.
The main exposition by *Dr. Esther Ismaila* , a member of APHPN, consultant with JUTH and Chairman of the IDOP organizing committee, emphasized that longevity should go beyond simply living longer to ensuring physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing. Presentations on physical activity and lifestyle by *Dr. Benjamin Joshua* , a family physician and nutrition by *Mrs. Okaro* , a dietitian, further highlighted practical ways of promoting healthier ageing.
In her closing remarks, the Chairman of APHPN Plateau State Branch, *Prof. Chundung Miner* , appreciated JUTH Management, the Geriatric Care Committee, APHPN and other stakeholders for their contributions, reaffirming the importance of building an elderly-friendly healthcare system.
The activities will continue on *Friday, October 9, 2026* , with *an outreach to Gifted Minds Hospital,* a home for older persons, featuring health talks, games, dancing and other activities aimed at promoting wellbeing, social connection and dignity.
APHPN Plateau State Branch is etching herself on the minds of many as a key stakeholder in health matters across the state. As it concerns care for older persons, the message is clear: healthy ageing is not merely about adding years to life, but adding health, dignity, purpose and quality to those years.
*Dr. ONYIKE, Abraham Onyike*
*Public Relations Officer*
*APHPN Plateau State Branch*
