The Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Kwara Chapter, Mrs Munirat Bello, has advised veteran journalists to adopt a nutritious diet for healthy ageing.
Bello gave the advice on Thursday in Ilorin while speaking at a one-day sensitisation on healthy living organised by the Kwara chapter of the National League of Veteran Journalists (NALVEJ).
The programme aims to promote wellness and prevent age-related ailments among veteran journalists.
Bello, who spoke on the topic “Nutrition, Diet and Healthy Ageing”, said good nutrition is key to preventing and managing geriatric illnesses such as arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases.
She explained the food pyramid to the participants, stressing the need for balanced diets and the dangers associated with excessive cholesterol, saturated fats, sugar and salt.
According to her, older adults should prioritise foods rich in fibre, vitamins, calcium, protein and antioxidants.
She listed beneficial foods for the elderly to include white meat such as fish and chicken, eggs, low-fat milk and dairy products, and whole grains like brown rice, oats and whole wheat bread.
Others, she said, include vegetables such as spinach, ugwu, broccoli, carrots and cabbage; fruits like oranges, watermelon, banana, pineapple, pawpaw and berries; as well as legumes, beans and nuts.
Bello advised participants to increase water intake, eat more fruits and vegetables daily, and reduce consumption of red meat, fried foods, processed foods and sugary drinks.
She also emphasised the importance of relaxation, adequate sleep, regular physical activity, lifestyle adjustment and the use of supplements as prescribed by health professionals.
The PSN boss urged the veterans to go for regular medical check-ups and avoid self-medication.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of NALVEJ, Kwara Chapter, Tunde Akanbi, described the lecture as timely and insightful.
Akanbi said the league organised the sensitisation as part of its welfare package to keep members fit and informed about health issues associated with ageing.
He commended the PSN Chairman for honouring the invitation and pledged that the league would sustain health programmes for its members.
Similarly, NALVEJ member and former Director of Digital Media at Voice of Nigeria (VON), Hadiza Sanni, lamented that the healthcare sector needs modules for diagnosis rather than conjecture.
On his part, former Editor-in-Chief of NAN, Mr Muftau Ojo, reminded members to prioritise their health, observing that ignorance kills.
