JUTH Celebrates 2026 National Day of Older Persons, Calls for Integrated Geriatric Care
Our Reporter
The Jos University Teaching Hospital, JUTH, on Monday, October 5, 2026, joined the rest of the country to commemorate the National Day of Older Persons with a call for healthy ageing and elderly-friendly health systems.
The celebration, themed “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Life,” was organized by the JUTH Geriatric Care Committee and drew management and staff of the hospital, older persons, caregivers, health professionals and members of the media.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the Geriatric Committee, Dr. Ma’an, said older persons remain invaluable assets to families and society and deserve recognition, care and support. He recalled the history of the observance in Nigeria and noted that JUTH had hosted the 2023 Plateau State edition.
Representing the Chief Medical Director, the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, CMAC, Dr. Njem Miner, said the hospital was working towards establishing a dedicated geriatric clinic that will offer multidisciplinary care for the elderly.
He stressed that ageing is not a disease and that older persons should be helped to live with dignity, purpose and social inclusion.
Delivering the keynote on the theme, Dr. Esther Ismaila said longevity is not just about adding years to life but ensuring physical, mental, emotional and social well-being.
She advocated for age-friendly systems across healthcare, social protection, housing, transportation and employment, urging families, communities and government to play active roles in promoting healthy ageing.
The programme featured health talks on lifestyle. Dr. Benjamin Joshua spoke on the importance of regular, age-appropriate physical activity for cardiovascular health, blood sugar control and mental well-being, while Dietitian Mrs. Okaro stressed balanced, affordable diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and healthy proteins.
Participants were also advised to maintain social connections and good sleep hygiene.
In her closing remarks, the Deputy CMAC and Chairman, Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria, Plateau State Branch, Prof. Chundung Miner, commended management, heads of departments, the Geriatric Committee and other stakeholders for the success of the programme.
She reiterated JUTH’s resolve to build an elderly-friendly care system that reduces waiting time and unnecessary movement for older patients accessing services.
The event climaxed with a call for collective action to ensure older persons enjoy longer lives in good health, dignity and social support, as JUTH announced plans for another outreach to elderly persons.
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