Older persons take part in a healthy walk
Sep 30, 2017
Mutuzo urged participants to respect and also care for the older persons because they are the custodians of property.
HEALTH| ELDERLY
Older persons have participated in a healthy walk and a fitness workout (aerobics) as an activity ahead of the celebrations to mark the International Day of Older Persons on Sunday.
The walk kicked off at about 4.30 pm on Friday and the enthusiastic older persons matched from the Ministry of Gender parking at Simbamanyo House past Rwenzori house through Kyagwe road to George Street and back to the ministry.
Addressing participants before they set off for the walk, the minister of State for Gender and Culture, Peace Mutuuzo who was the chief walker said often community shuns older persons while some families neglect them.
Mutuzo urged participants to respect and also care for the older persons because they are the custodians of property.
After a 30 minutes' walk, participants engaged in aerobics that left many dripping as they struggled to keep pace with the instructor.
Staff from the different departments at the ministry of gender also took part in the walk and later the aerobics.
The National Census 2014 indicates that older persons constitute 1,280,000 people; a 14 % rise from 1,100,000, as per the Uganda National Housing and Population Census 2002. This is expected to increase as the quality of life in the country improves.
International Day of Older Persons was designated by the UN General Assembly under resolution 45/106. The International Day of Older Persons was observed for the first time throughout the world on October 1st, 1991. For 18 years since 1999 Uganda has been celebrating this day.
The celebrations for the day will be held in Kiboga district at the Saza ground.