Society Chairman Advises Journalists On Healthy Ageing

The chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN)in Kwara State, Mrs Munirat Bello, has advised journalists to embrace nutritious foods and right diet for healthy ageing.

Bello gave the advice in Ilorin, the state capital during a sensitisation programme on healthy living organised by the Kwara State chapter of the National League of Veteran Journalists (NALVEJ).

The programme was aimed at promoting wellness and preventing 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 of excessive cholesterol, saturated fats, sugar and salt.

She said the geriatric should prioritise foods that are rich in fibre, vitamins, calcium, protein and antioxidants.

She listed foods beneficial to the elderly to include white meat such as fish and chicken, eggs, low-fat milk and dairy products, 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.

She advised participants to increase water intake, eat more fruits and vegetables daily, reduce consumption of red meat, fried foods, processed foods and sugary drinks.

Bello also emphasised the importance of relaxation, adequate sleep, regular physical activity, lifestyle adjustment and use of supplements as prescribed by health professionals.

She urged the veterans to go for regular medical checkups and avoid self-medication.

Earlier, the chairman of NALVEJ, Kwara chapter, Alh Tunde Akanbi, haddescribed the lecture as timely and insightful.

Akanbi said the league organised the lecture as part of its welfare package to keep members fit and informed about health issues associated with ageing.