A recent State of the Nation Health Report shows that Nigeria’s life expectancy is approximately 54.6 years, well below the global average of 73.3 years.
This low life expectancy is attributed to various health challenges, economic disparities, diseases, and inadequate public health infrastructure.
Widespread poverty also limits access to healthcare, nutrition, and education, which are crucial for maintaining good health and longevity.
In his reaction to the issue, an 81-year-old grandmother in Cross River, Mrs Utang Aisien, who claimed to have lived in Europe but decided to relocate to Nigeria because she doesn’t like food stored with preservatives, stated that though she had passed through a lot of pain in life, her long life is due to the consumption of local diet.
“I hardly eat packaged food. I depend solely on our local food, because I know all these food items packaged and sold in supermarkets are laced with preservatives,” she said.
According to her, the consumption of traditional Nigerian foods, such as fruit, vegetables, and whole grains that are rich in nutrients, is responsible for the longevity that she enjoys.
She stressed that engaging in regular physical activities, such as farming and walking about a kilometre a day, keeps her alive and active, adding that she is not happy that she has unusual pain in her ankles.
The octogenarian further stated that maintaining strong social relationships with friends and family in her immediate environment had been very helpful.
She said that engaging in regular physical activities such as farming or walking about one kilometre a day to exercise his nerves, limiting the consumption of sugary foods and drinks, and consuming less salt, particularly in processed foods, have also aided her wellness.
Why Octogenarians Stay Strong Beyond 80
In Boto, a quiet, remote community in Tafawa Balewa local government area of Bauchi State, 84-year-old Baba Musa still wakes up before sunrise to tend to his small millet farm with the same vigour of yesteryears.
Our correspondent observed that his face, marked with deep lines of age and wisdom, breaks into a smile when asked about the secret to his long life.
“I eat what I grow – millet, beans, and fresh vegetables. No sugar, no fancy, food,” he said proudly.
Like Musa, several elderly residents across Bauchi who have reached 80 and above share similar lifestyles – simple diet, active routines, and strong community ties that keep them physically and emotionally healthy.
At 81, Mama Ladi of Barkin Kura in Bauchi metropolis said she had never been to a hospital for a major ailment.
She revealed that her daily diet consists mainly of tuwo (a local made from guinea corn or maize) with miyan kuka or okra soup.
“We didn’t grow up eating processed food. Everything came from the farm or the bush,” she said, adding that she still cooks her meals by herself.
Beyond food, these elderly citizens also attribute their long lives to strong family bonds and peaceful living.
“We don’t keep anger in our hearts. We forgive easily, eat together, and laugh often. Maybe that’s why Allah has kept us long,” Ladi said.
Health experts say this traditional lifestyle, with meals rich in grains, legumes, and vegetables, has contributed to their longevity.
According to Dr Yusuf Abdullahi, a nutritionist at the Bauchi State Specialist Hospital, such diets are low in cholesterol and high in fibre, which help maintain heart health and prevent diabetes.
‘Fear Of God, Right Values, Moderation Keys To Longevity’
An elder statesman, Chief Onwuka Ikerionwu, has attributed the secret of his longevity to the fear of God, contentment, and honesty.
According to him, people no longer fear God, and they live false and pretentious lives with the wrong values.
Chief Ikerionwu made this known while interacting with LEADERSHIP Sunday.
He stressed that in their days, the fear of God was regarded as the beginning of wisdom and they were not as materialistic as the present generation.
He submitted that they were taught to be contented with what they had and to run away from greed.
He submitted that the get-rich-quick syndrome and greed of the present generation are some of the factors responsible for the lack of longevity in this generation.
Chief Ikerionwu highlighted that fear of God, a moderate lifestyle, and caution in the consumption rate serve as the secret to his long life.
‘Longevity is here but no pleasure’
For Malam Hamza Balarabe, an 85-year-old living in the Rafin Atiku area of Birnin Kebbi, life has become unbelievable and unbearable as there is not enough money to buy the needed things for domestic use.
He said, “Things have changed a lot, unlike the past when we were young. In the 60s, with just a little amount of money, somebody could buy much,” he said.
Also, an old woman in the Nassarawa area of Birnin Kebbi, Hajiya Ige, lamented that she went to a nearby shop to buy sugar, soap, and pomade but could not get them all due to the little money she had and the current price hike of commodities.
At 86, Pa Ndukwe Uwakwe still moves about, looks after his small garden, and never misses his morning prayers.
The neighbours of Uwakwe in Enugu often marvel at how the old man’s skin still glows and his laughter fills the air like someone half his age.
When asked the secret behind his youthful energy, Pa Uwakwe said, “It’s how you live your life.”
He emphasised that he has always believed in simple living and having peace of mind.
He added that he eats natural things like vegetables, garden eggs, pepper soup, and fruit.
Pa Uwakwe also disclosed that he avoids late-night food, and “I don’t quarrel with people,” he said.
The father of five added that contentment is his greatest treasure.
“When you worry too much or keep malice, your heart grows old quickly. I forgive easily and sleep well,” he said
Pa Uwakwe also disclosed that he still does light exercise every day, mostly stretching and short walks around the compound.
“You must keep your body moving,” he advised. “If you want to stay fresh, laugh often, eat from your farm, and thank God daily. That’s my medicine.”
The Secrets Of Our Longevity – Veteran Journalist, Tailor
A retired veteran journalist in Kwara State and secretary of the National League of Veteran Journalists (NALVEJ), Alh Mudasiru Adewuyi, has attributed his long life to the special grace of God as well as a simple and healthy lifestyle.
Speaking with LEADERSHIP Sunday in Ilorin, Adewuyi, who is in his early 80s, said he has kept a low lifestyle all his life.
“Essentially, Allah’s grace is the main thing. I restrict myself to all things (food and materials) that are not health-friendly.
“When I attained 55 years, I did a check-up and I was told not to eat most of the foods – amala, pounded yam, fufu, and rice – except beans and wheat for about a year. The health officials also recommended a 30-minute exercise for me daily, and I have adhered to these instructions. I’m healthy and agile, observing my five daily prayers while standing.”
Alh Mohammed Baba, an 83-year-old tailor in the Gambari area of Ilorin, attributes his longevity to God’s grace.
He said he still eats all manner of local food but seldom adds sugar to his coffee or tea or craves sugary drinks.
Baba said he was still doing his tailoring job, though at a lower rate, as he takes time off to rest between 2 and 4 p.m. daily.
A retired nurse in Asaba, Mrs Olakitan Beatrice, 84, disclosed that while medicine has added years to her life, for now, the best evidence suggests three ways to live longer in good health: sleep, diet, and exercise.
To her, the secret to staying alive to this age is keeping her body active, eating more fruits and vegetables, getting enough sleep, avoiding smoking and too much alcohol, avoiding eating late, and adapting to natural foods.
On health behaviours, she recommended managing chronic illnesses through early tests and medication for health issues like high cholesterol level, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity, which she said are well known to be risk factors for morbidity and mortality.
She also advised on how to cultivate positive relationships and a positive mindset.
We Need Old People’s Home – Senior Citizens
Elderly citizens in Akwa Ibom state have appealed to Governor Umo Eno and other state governors to build or complete Old People’s Homes for them.
They particularly called on Governor Eno to expedite action to complete the ongoing senior citizens’ centre along the Ikono local government area portion of the Uyo—Ikot Ekpene Road.
About a year ago, the governor promised to erect the facility as a converging point for retirees and other elderly citizens to socialise and enjoy recreation.
According to the governor, the building, which will be equipped with healthcare, sports, food, and relaxation infrastructure, is aimed at engaging the minds of the elderly by diverting their attention from the prevailing socio-economic challenges so that they can age gracefully.
“I like leisure and social activities with my peers. The governor had promised to build the elderly people’s home, and the job is currently ongoing, but we need an acceleration of work on the project so that those of us who have retired can have a place to move to and interact with our mates,” Chief Effiong UdoAbasi, a retired federal civil servant, said.
Speaking with our correspondents at the Ibom Plaza sit-out, U. Obong Etim, 83, thanked God for keeping him in good health since retirement from the state water company, saying, “What is keeping me alive is contentment and the ability to go out and meet with my friends.
“I think if the governor could complete the ongoing building project for the elderly people, it can serve as a rallying point where those of us who are still a bit strong can meet with old and new friends and that can boost our energy and prolong our lives,” he noted.
In the same vein, Ette Bassey Archibong, 87, a retired Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), said, “I’m grateful to God because I’m not given to gluttony; I select what I eat. I don’t eat or drink anything that will disturb my system. I live a moderate life and take a lot of fruits, vegetables and natural remedies.”
82-year-old identifies drug abuse as threat to longevity
An 82-year-old farmer from Mbaikyor Community in Kwande local government area of Benue State, Baba Ayua Akange, has attributed drug abuse and other unfavourable lifestyles to the drop in life expectancy in Nigeria.
In an interview, Akange stated that while drug abuse existed in the 60s and 70s, the cases were minimal and easily identifiable.
He noted that the current situation is alarming, with young people engaging in substance abuse and exhibiting anti-social behaviours.
A retired nutritionist, Mary Shiebee, linked the drop in life expectancy to poor feeding habits, particularly among children.
She emphasised the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and warned against introducing sugary drinks to infants, which she said could lead to diabetes and other health issues.
Shiebee also advised adults to adopt healthier lifestyles, avoid smoking, drug abuse, and unhealthy eating habits that could trigger high blood pressure and other life-threatening conditions.
A 65-year-old mother of eight, Lydia Iyo, identified the use of chemicals in food preparation and preservation as another major cause of premature deaths among young people.
She called on the National Food, Drugs, and Control Administration (NAFDAC) to regulate food production and ensure that Nigerians consume safe and healthy foods.
