NSCC,CAARS, AUST Hold National Symposium On Healthy Ageing

The National Senior Citizens Center( NSCC) in collaboration with the Center for African and American Research Studies(CAARS) and the African University of Science and Technology (AUST) hosted a national symposium on healthy ageing. The event which took place on Friday , October 4 at the AfDB hall, African University of Science and Technology attracted esteemed speakers and participants from various African countries and backgrounds, all converged to discuss the significance of place, connectivity and access in promoting healthy ageing. The AUST President, Prof. Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, FAS who was represented at the event by Dr. Bosco Okolo- Obi, Head of department , General Studies, African University of Science and Technology Abuja, expressed AUST's delight in partnering with CAARS and NSCC in hosting this year's national symposium on healthy ageing. He highlighted the university's commitment in building capacity through education, and connecting with the wealth of knowledge from research and training. Onwualu praised the efforts of the Senior Citizens of Africa and beyond for their contributions and charged them not to relent in their efforts towards nation building. The AUST President reiterated the university's readiness to partner with more of the Senior citizens as they impact positive knowledge on young people to raise the next generation of leaders. In a keynote speech, Dr. Emem Omokaro, Director-General of the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), Abuja, outlined the crucial roles of research in the sensitization, mobilization, and advocacy for healthy ageing. She highlighted the importance of a research center focused on healthy ageing and was pleased to be part of an agency committed to data-driven decision-making. "Research is an essential component of the NSCC because the agency itself is a product of extensive research. It provides data, statistics, and knowledge that shape policies. These policies then guide us in planning and implementing programs tailored to the needs of older citizens,” Dr. Omokaro said. Dr. Omokaro pledged NSCC's continued collaboration with CAARS in advancing the health conditions of Nigerians and other Africans as they age. The symposium's focal point was a presentation on healthy ageing, which underscored the significance of diet, lifestyle, exercise, and workplace environment in maintaining overall well-being. The speakers emphasized the need for intentionality in daily habits, encouraging active engagement in social events, regular health check-ups, and mental stimulation through reading and brain exercises. The importance of self-mastery and community participation was also stressed as vital components of healthy ageing.