By Divine Ndukuba, Awka
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation (ADF), have urged respect and care with dignity and love for the elderly to live longer and better.
This resulted to their jointly packaged programs to mark this year’s International Day for Senior Citizens Celebration at UNIZIK campus, including honouring 25 Nigerians for their immense contributions to the elderly persons.
Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi, the Vice-Chancellor of UNIZIK, said the United Nations this year’s celebration theme “Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action; Our Aspirations, Our Wellbeing and Our Rights” was quite apt in the light of longer life expectancy to increase global population of older persons.
“From this, our Research Centre for Aging Cognition and Psychological Health (RCACPH), the first of such research centre in Southeast derived its theme: “Empowering Elderly Voices for Inclusive Future,” Umobi stressed.
According to her, the RCACPH established 2022 with generosity of Igwe Chidubem Iweka III, who donated a building to house the centre is promoting positive mental health in this age cohort.
Prof. Rita Ugokwe Joseph, Director of RCACPH, said with the research centre activities “there are clear signs that Nigeria too is entering an era where more of our citizens will live longer lives ”
Iyom Josephine Anenih, Founder, Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation said that aging is not a decline, but a triumph.
“It is the story of survival, wisdom, and continued relevance, she said, stating that this year’s theme speaks directly to the Foundation’s mission.
“We believe that aging must never be accompanied by silence, neglect, or invisibility. Every elderly person whether in our home, communities, or institutions deserves to be heard, respected, and cared for with dignity and love,” the former Minister of Women Affairs affirmed.
She said, through ADF’s advocacy, training and outreach “We have worked to bring awareness to the realities of aging particularly the growing challenges of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
“Too often, older adults living with cognitive decline are misunderstood, stigmatised, or isolated. Yet, they still have voices that matter, stories to tell, and lessons to share.
“I am proud that today, ADF and the Research Centre for Aging, Cognition and Psychological Health at UNIZIK stand together in partnership uniting science, compassion, and community spirit to promote brain health, empower caregivers, and build structures of support that protect our elders.
“Let us therefore recommit ourselves to an inclusive future one that recognises the value of experience, honours the frailty of age with tenderness, and ensures that older persons live not just longer, but better,” she reiterated.
Dignitaries at the event included Igwe Benneth Izuchukwu Emeka, Oke Ebo Umueri who also chaired the occasion, Prof. Charles Maduebuna Anikweze and Prof. Basil Chukwuemeka Ezeanolue.
The event also featured free medical outreach, cultural dance performance, presentation of awards to deserving Nigerians and book presentation/launch.
