The Society of Lifestyle Medicine of Nigeria (SOLONg) has advised older people to prioritize their health by adopting healthy lifestyles to reduce the risk of ailments associated with ageing.
The President of the association, Dr Moyosore Makinde, gave the advice in an interview with reporters on Tuesday in Lagos.
Makinde underscored the role of lifestyle medicine in managing ageing-related ailments, particularly hypertension and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
According to her, hypertension is relatively easy to manage through a combination of lifestyle interventions and cost-effective medications, yet levels of awareness, treatment, and control remain low.
She defined ageing as the process of growing older, which is usually associated with changes in physical, mental, and social health.
The physician said older people should take their health seriously by eating healthy foods, making lifestyle modifications, and undergoing regular medical check-ups and screenings.
According to her, a healthy lifestyle can support and promote healthy ageing by reducing the risk of chronic diseases and other health issues.
“It is important to follow healthy lifestyle steps as we age. Maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress levels, and staying socially connected can also help promote healthy ageing.
“Eat a healthy diet and include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Get enough sleep—at least seven hours of quality sleep per night.
“Get regular check-ups and preventive screenings to detect any health issues early, make safety a priority, limit alcohol consumption, practice good hygiene, and engage in regular physical activity,” she said.
Makinde explained that a healthy lifestyle is a way of living focused on making healthy choices in all aspects of life.
According to her, by taking charge of their health, older people can reduce the risk of developing ailments associated with ageing, such as hypertension, cancer, stroke, diabetes, and others.
She noted a dramatic increase in hypertension prevalence among aged Nigerian adults.
Makinde attributed the high prevalence of hypertension in the country to the imitation of Western lifestyles, especially in diets.
According to her, studies show that the prevalence among adults aged 65 to 94 years is 73.8 per cent, translating to three out of four older adults having high blood pressure.
“It has been shown that there is a dramatic increase in hypertension prevalence with age, which is the number one fact that everyone must know.
“When hypertension develops, it is a risk factor for stroke and sudden death.
“Uncontrolled hypertension imposes an enormous economic burden on society. An estimated 10 per cent of global healthcare spending is directly related to hypertension and its complications.
“Hence, the need for preventive lifestyle medicine to avert it,” she said.
She advised that elderly people should reduce junk and processed foods, while moderating intake of salt, fats, and oils.
She noted that adequate water intake is essential to maintain a healthy life while ageing, adding that under normal circumstances, an individual should drink at least four litres of water per day.
