Regular exercise keeps elderly fit, Obasanjo says

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has stressed the critical role of regular exercise in maintaining health for the elderly. He made this assertion on Saturday after leading approximately 100 members of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) Senior Citizens Club in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on a 2.5km walk.

“

The essence of this, you can see that they are senior citizens, they are young Papas and Mamas. Normally, you can only be a member of the club unless you are 70 and above and I am just getting to that age.

The walk, part of the club's keep-fit program, saw the elders journey from the clubhouse within the OOPL to Iyana Mortuary and back. During the exercise, Obasanjo reiterated that consistent physical activity is essential for ensuring better living conditions as people age. He described the event as both an awareness campaign and an encouragement for senior citizens to remain active.

“

The Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland is our patron. I am a member of the club and the idea is to show and to encourage and to let people know that in growing old, exercise is a vital element to make sure that you grow old graceful, graciously and in a way that even when you are old, you are still able to live the way you should live.

Obasanjo noted that membership in the club is typically for individuals aged 70 and above, a milestone he is approaching. He pointed to a 90-year-old participant who, despite his age, appeared remarkably fit. The former president emphasized that exercise is a vital element for aging gracefully and maintaining the ability to live a fulfilling life even in old age.

“

It is an exercise and encouragement and as advice for people, you can see this is Mama and Baba. This Baba is 90 (pointing) and as you can see him looking (shemu shemu) fit, fit.

The President of the club, Group Captain Ayobamiji Erinfolami (retd.), commended Obasanjo for his commitment and for leading by example. Elder Udo Umoren, a close aide, described the walk as a "needed tonic" that motivates and encourages senior citizens to continue growing into their old age with grace.

“

the needed tonic to keep us going and as rightly said by him, keeping us graciously and gracefully. We shall continue appreciate him for this kind of motivation and encouragement as we continue to grow into our old age.