News · Samuel Nana Asare Mireku

International day for older persons

To celebrate the International Day for Older Persons, the Centre for Ageing Studies of the University of Ghana, Legon, has organized it's annual event at Akropong in the Akuapem North Municipality of the Eastern Region. It was undertaken in collaboration with the Office of the Member of Parliament for Akuapem North. 

The United Nations established the Day in 1990 as a global moment to raise awareness of ageing, highlight the experiences of older people, and promote a society for all ages. 

In an interview, the Director of the Centre for Ageing Studies of the University of Ghana, Legon, Professor Joseph Osafo Adu proposed the establishment of hospitals that are dedicated solely to older persons. 

He disclosed that, "statistics show that over two million Ghanaians are aged sixty years and above, hence the importance of his proposal."  Prof. Adu urged the Parliament of Ghana to pass the sixteen year old Ageing Bill to ensure a sense of dignity and safety for the aged. 

The Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammi Awuku said, ageing is inevitable and therefore entreated younger persons to treat and honor the aged the way they want to be honored at their old age. He added that older persons need to be accorded respect, love, affection and support. Mr. Awuku promised to push for the Ageing Bill to be passed in Parliament.

The event comprised of a health screening, counselling, dance and fitness, talk on wellness, as well as stakeholder engagements. 

Two centenarians from the municipality where presented with wheelchairs to aid in their movement. This year's International Day for Older Persons carried the theme, " The Age of Longevity; Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives".