Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has advised the elderly not to withdraw from communal society if they want to live a long life.
Obasanjo, 84, stated that his good relationship with the communal society is one of the secrets that keeps him fit, giving him the appearance of an older man.
The octogenarian made the remarks while receiving some senior citizens at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Wednesday as part of the Tony Anini Varieties Centres of University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.
According to him, a relationship with a communal society will help the elderly live longer lives and shape their social lives.
He also advised the aged to eat a balanced diet, have a good rest, regular exercise, continuous medical check and social interaction.
“We haven’t been taking proper care of our aged and there are reasons for that. Our culture and tradition is that we should be with our children and take care of our grandchildren, but where are our children today? They have all traveled abroad.
“When things change, we have to change with it. Once our aged are getting older, they should have social clubs that they can relate with,” Obasanjo said.
The President, Elders Club of Tony Anini Varieties Center UCH Ibadan, Dr. Kunmi Idowu, condemned politicians for not giving proper attention to senior citizens, saying it is necessary to have special treatment for aged people.