In celebration of the 2023 World Day for Grandparents and  Elderly, a call has been made for young people and other relevant stakeholders to regularly inculcate the habit of taking good care of elderly people as well as celebrating them while alive.

The World Day for Grandparents and Elderly is celebrated every fourth Sunday in July and was initiated in 2021 by Pope Francis.

Speaking during a 'Get-Together-for- Elders' who are 70 years and above organised by the Education Committee of  Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Catholic Church, Adigbe, Abeokuta held at the Catholic Diocese Bishop's Court, Onikoko, Abeokuta, the Committee's Chairman, Dr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola made the call stating that elders are important foundation to the development of young people, youths, the Church and the larger society.

Aikulola who is also the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment said the Church decided to celebrate the elders of the Church in recognition of their immense importance.

" We have come together as a Church to celebrate you. We want you to know that we love and care for you. This is the reason we have packaged this programme for you. We are getting to know each other. 

Delivering a lecture on "Dementia", a professional nurse, Mrs. Regina Usifo said the disease means loss of memory as a result of a challenge with the cerebrum adding that high blood pressure, obesity, untreated malaria, excessive salt intake, poor diet, dehydration and lack of forgiveness are some of the causes.

She added that dementia if not given timely attention could result in death advising elderly people to live healthy lifestyle, regularly engage in medical checkup, socialise, forgive others as well as themselves to prevent the disease.

In their remarks, two of the participants, Mr F. Gandonu  and Mrs. Bosede Owokoya  lauded the Priest of the Church, Rev. Father Gabriel Oyebola and the Education Committee for organizing the programme advising old people to maintain a healthy lifestyle while children should take good care of their elderly ones.

Earlier, the Elders of the Church with the Education Committee had paid a courtesy call on the oldest member of the Church, Pa Stephen Olalekan Odebiyi, a 95 year old retired school Principal.