Blue Medics champions healthy ageing at Akuapem North older persons commemoration

Blue Medics, a health and policy advocacy group, emphasized the importance of promoting healthy ageing during the 2026 United Nations International Day of Older Persons commemoration in Akuapem North. The event, organized by the University of Ghana's Centre for Ageing Studies in collaboration with the Office of Akuapem North Member of Parliament Samuel Awuku, took place at Grace Presbyterian Church Auditorium.

The theme was "The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives," with the slogan "Growing Old! Growing Bold!" Blue Medics provided essential health services, medical care, and health-related education to the older participants, while some also received wheelchairs and other forms of assistance. Convener of Blue Medics, Daniel Appiah, highlighted that healthy ageing involves ensuring older individuals live longer, healthier, and more dignified lives.

This theme is especially pertinent as societies grapple with an increasing number of older persons and must adapt healthcare and support systems to meet their evolving needs. In line with the event's focus, the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection reported that Ghana's population aged 60 and above grew significantly between 1960 and 2021 and is expected to reach 5.7 million by 2050.

This underscores the urgent need for stronger healthcare, social protection, and care systems to support the well-being of older citizens. The event featured an interaction between Akuapem North MP Samuel Awuku and older constituents, including a 101-year-old who received a wheelchair donated by the MP to aid his mobility. MP Awuku emphasized the significance of honoring older generations and expressed the hope that the younger generation would show respect, courtesy, love, and affection towards older people, mirroring the care they hope to receive in their later years.