REPORT ON INTERNATIONAL DAY OF OLDER PERSONS 2024 HELD ON THE 1ST OCTOBER 2024 AT GREAT HALL, UNIVERSITY OF GHANA.

The International Day for Older People was held on 1st October 2024 at the Great Hall, university of Ghana under theme Ageing with Dignity: “The importance of strengthening care and support systems for the older persons worldwide”. It is an annual event held to create awareness on global issues affecting older individuals and celebrates their contributions to society. It emphasizes ensuring the well-being and dignity of older adults, respecting their rights and needs, addressing challenges like ageing and social isolation, and advocating for their rights and well-being. In Ghana, it is celebrated at the University of Ghana by the Center for Aging Studies. At 8am, Aged aiding agencies started arriving at the proposed location to set up their stance with medical screening equipment. Dignitaries and invited guests were made to go through the registration process and also given free health screening.
The program officially started at 9am with the opening prayer said by Rev. Prof. Samuel Ayete-Nyampong. Dr. Akosua Agyemang took turns to introduce participating in older persons groups. The welcome address and purpose of gathering was done by Professor Joseph Osafo, the director, Centre for Ageing studies, university of Ghana. He articulated on the essence of the program and aging studies. He went on to highlight about the center’s academic programs and its achievements in favor of the elderly and concluded by reaffirming to create a society where the aged are treated with dignity and honor. Here’s a summary of what his speech.
The Centre's academic programs, such as the Master of Arts in Counseling for Older Persons and PhD programs in gerontology, focus on training future leaders to address the needs of the elderly comprehensively. Their research delves into healthcare access barriers, family dynamics, and community structures, advocating for improved caregiver support and policies to enhance the well-being and dignity of older individuals.
Furthermore, the Centre actively collaborates with local communities and stakeholders to raise awareness about the elderly's requirements. The speech calls upon the Ghanaian government to implement inclusive aging policies that guarantee healthcare access, social services, and caregiver protections, thereby enabling older persons to age gracefully.
In conclusion, the speech reiterates the commitment to building a society where every older person is valued and supported. It highlights the importance of education, research, and cooperation in achieving this objective.
Followed by Professor Joseph Yaro, the Provost of the College of Humanities, University of Ghana also gave his speech. His speech highlighted the importance of upholding equality, dignity, and respect for all individuals, especially older persons. It emphasized the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that everyone is born free and equal in dignity and rights. The Vice-Chancellor stressed the significant roles older people play in communities and the need to treat them with compassion and respect. Creating supportive environments for older individuals is crucial for their well-being and independence. The speech also mentioned the interdisciplinary approach taken at the College of Humanities to address challenges faced by older persons, with a focus on promoting their rights and well-being. Academic programs at the college, such as the Master of Arts in Counseling for Older Persons, aim to equip students with the skills to support the elderly effectively.

There was a short musical interlude after which Rev. Prof Akye Essuman of UHAS spoke about the importance of caring for the aging population, emphasizing the physical, emotional, and social needs of elderly individuals. He stressed the need for empathy, patience, and respect in aiding with daily tasks and emotional support. His speech received applause from the audience after addressing various crucial aspects of aging and care.
The participating partners: the Ghana Health Service, World Health Organization, Social Security and National Insurance Trust, Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, University of Ghana Medical school And Prince Mark Company Limited were also given the opportunity to share their message to the audience.
The nutrition corner was presented by Professor Matilda Steiner- Asiedu, of the department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Ghana. She emphasized on the importance of providing older adults with a balanced and nutritious diet to support their health and well-being as they age. She continued and said as people get older, their nutritional needs may change, and it's crucial to ensure they are getting the right nutrients to maintain their health and energy levels. She proceeded to explain more important things that should be considered when deciding on a diet plan for the aged person.
Professor Kate Ado-Adeku and Dr. Robert Akuamoah Boateng took turns to share their experiences with older persons and how other individuals can go about it as well. They are irritated that experience with older persons can be enriching. Spending time with older individuals allows us to learn from their wisdom, stories, and life experiences. It provides an opportunity to connect across generations, fostering empathy, understanding, and respect. Building relationships with older adults can offer valuable insights, create lasting memories, and cultivate a sense of companionship and support for both parties. Engaging with older persons can bring joy, laughter, and a deeper appreciation for the journey of life.
The physiotherapy session was done by Dr. Daniel Opoku who is a physiotherapist at the University of Ghana Hospital. He demonstrated to the older persons some simple exercises that they can do and how beneficial it is to their bodies. Stretch out, which was being taught to the older generation ended up being done by the whole auditorium. The whole session lasted for about an hour.

A musical interlude followed suit after Dr. Daniel’s speech. The interlude allowed room for relaxation, health screening, counseling and interactions among participants and program partners.

Dr. Akosua Agyemang once again mounted the podium to make donations to the ten(10) older persons groups . The donation included clothes and foodstuffs. The receiving groups were excited and expressed gratitude for such a kind gesture.
After the donations, Rev. Professor Joseph Osafo called for a mini fundraising in order to support the activities of the Centre.

The closing remark was made by Rev. Professor Joseph Osafo and the vote of thanks by Dr. Akosua Agyemang. The closing prayer was said at 1:15pm.
The entire program came to an end and after that there was a music interlude and interactions.