A Non Governmental Organization, Coalition of Societies for the Protection of the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria, (COSROPIN) Ogun state chapter held an hangout for older people yesterday at Siun, Obafemi Owode Local Government of Ogun State.
The event which was held at Olu of Siun’s palace, brought together more than 70 seniors who are above 70 years of age, residence in Siun and adjoining communities.
Participants of the hangout were so exited and full of joy as the event was meant to check on their well-being.
Addressing the Senior citizens, the team leader and chairman of COSROPIN in the state, Rev (Dr) Abiodun Solesi, said the hangout was necessary to bring them out and enable seniors to undergo a routine medical checkup, and provide avenue for interactions with their colleagues within and outside the community.
Dr Solesi reminded the participants to pay adequate attention to their health, and desist from unhealthy diets that could be injurious to their health, giving the assurance that the group would not relent in her efforts to provide succour to the elderly across the state.
He called for the implementation of relevant policies that would improve the socio and economic well-being of the Senior citizens in the state, and the country at large.
A geriatrician at Neuro Psychiatric Hospital, Aro Abeokuta, Dr Adefolakemi Ogundele who identified poor diet and lack of health care as some of the reasons for dementia, encouraged the elderly to engage in social activities, exercise , good sleep and socialization which will assist them on the challenges of memory loss and other old age related disabilities.
In his remark, Olu of Siun, Oba Lawrence Odeyinka who described the gesture as laudable, appealed to the group to fashion our ways to sustain the initiative for the sake of the elderly.
Some of the beneficiaries who commended the non governmental organization for the choice of Obafemi Owode Local government appealed to other well meaning individuals and organizations to key into the program for the benefit of the Senior citizens.
Other activities at the event include cultural dance, drama presentation by pupils of Siun High School, and dancing competition by the seniors.