A consultant psychiatrist at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Dr. Folakemi Ogundele, has emphasized that the lifestyle choices people make in their younger years play a significant role in determining the quality of their old age.
Dr. Ogundele made this known on Tuesday in Abeokuta during a public lecture organized by the Beauty of Aging Initiative (BAI) in collaboration with Infolite Books. The event, titled “Mental Health of Senior Citizens: Our Roles,” was held at the Press Centre, Iwe Iroyin, and attracted participants from various sectors, including students from tertiary institutions.
According to her, individuals who adopt healthy habits early in life are better positioned to navigate the challenges associated with aging.
“People who live right at a younger age will not find it difficult to adjust to the challenges of old age. In other words, maintaining a healthy lifestyle earlier in life increases the chances of enjoying peace and stability in old age,” she said.
Dr. Ogundele also called for greater empathy and attention from the younger generation toward senior citizens, stressing that love and care remain the most valuable gifts anyone can offer them.
Convener of the event, Olamilekan Jaji, described care for the elderly as a collective responsibility. He noted that today’s youth will inevitably become tomorrow’s senior citizens, underscoring the need for a more compassionate society.
The programme also featured the unveiling of Jaji’s book on aging titled “Ageing for You and Me,” published in 2023 by Infolite Books and available on Amazon and Selar.
In addition, two distinguished individuals were honored for their impactful humanitarian contributions.
Dr. Babatunde Adeyemo of the Oko Opo Foundation received the Humanitarian Award of the Year, while Dotun Oladipupo of the Oladipupo Foundation for Sickle Cell was also recognized for outstanding service to vulnerable groups in society.
