The International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) is observed annually on October 1st to recognize the contributions of older individuals and to highlight issues affecting them. It is a global celebration designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1990. The day promotes awareness about the importance of ensuring that people can grow old with dignity and purpose. It encourages society to value and support older persons through inclusive policies and practices.
The Plateau State branch of Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria (APHPN) set up a committee to organise activities to celebrate the elderly both independently and in collaboration with other community-oriented organizations that cater for the elderly. The committee was ably led by Dr. Esther Ismaila. Several activities were held starting from the 1st to the 19th of October, 2024
These activities included the following:
Webinar (1/10/2024)
APHPN organized a webinar that held on October 1st that was open to all members of the public. Seakers were drawn from Public health, Psychiatry and elderly community members. The topics and speakers included
- Intergenerational solidarity: Closing the gaps between older and younger generations by Prof. Chikaike Ogbonna
- Prospects and challenges of institutional care for the elderly persons in Nigeria by Prof. Christopher Piwuna
- Life after retirement where perspectives were shared by Mrs. Becky Majam, Mrs. Ruth Obaka and Prof. Micheal Asuzu
Publicity Poster for Webinar
Health Walk (2nd October, 2024)
Members of the association in collaboration with other organizations conducted a fitness walk aimed at raising public awareness on the IDOP. It was an initiative of the Plateau State Ministry of Women affairs and Social Development. Other participating agencies and persons included the NSCC National Stakeholders Consultative Forum on Ageing, Elder care and Development Center, Holistic Global Mission, Golden Sage Geriatric Foundation and the elderly persons from the community. The walk started at the Old Airport Roundabout, Jos, a central point in the city, and terminated at the Secretariat Junction, a distance of about 1 km.
Symposium
There was symposium and lectures organised by the state government through Plateau State Ministry of Women affairs and Social Development. APHPN collaborated and other partners to celebrate the elderly persons in the state. The symposium was held at the new government house in Plateau State, with many presenters, among them is our member and chairman of the organising committee for the APHPN international day of the elderly celebration, Dr. Esther Ismaila. The details of this event are provided in a separate report.
Media Engagements
We had media engagements with different media stations, giving health talks to the elderly and educating others on how to take care of the elderly in the society. These started a week to the IDOP and continued into the first two weeks of October, 2024.
Courtesy visit to management of NTA Jos by collaborating organizations soliciting for coverage of 2024 activities for IDOP
Older Persons’ Hang Out (19/10/2024)
In collaboration with Celestial Wellness Centre, Jos, APHPN organised a hangout for the elderly. During this hangout, the senior citizens were given health talks on some common diseases that affect the elderly, ways to tackle forgetfulness, diet and exercise that is appropriate for their age. They were engaged in dancing, mind games and had time to share helpful experiences with one another. Food and drinks were provided for all and they were sent home with gift packages courtesy APHPN Plateau State branch.
