The Zonta Club of Accra II has screened 100 older persons at the HelpAge Centre at Osu, Accra, as part of activities to mark its 30th anniversary.
The exercise, held in partnership with HelpAge Ghana, sought to promote healthy ageing by providing older persons with medical screening, consultations, medication and health education.
The beneficiaries were screened for conditions including hypertension, diabetes, malaria and eye-related problems. Others included blood pressure and blood sugar checks, eye and breast cancer screening and medical consultations.
They received education on healthy ageing, hypertension, diabetes, healthy eating and physical exercise. Free medication was provided, while those who needed spectacles received them following the eye screening.
The older persons also received toiletries and essential food items as part of the support provided during the exercise.
The President of the Zonta Club of Accra II, Nana Eduwa Appiah, described the outreach as part of the club’s commitment to service, advocacy and improving the well-being of local communities.
She said the event was organised on the club’s 30th anniversary theme, “30 Years of Empowering Women and Girls through Advocacy, Service and Partnerships.”
Scholarships for girls
Ms Appiah said the club had supported vulnerable girls through scholarship and mentorship programmes for more than a decade.
Under one of the programmes, 15 girls received financial assistance and mentorship over six years, with six of the beneficiaries who completed senior high school in 2024 now pursuing tertiary education.
In 2025, the club introduced another scholarship and mentorship programme for 20 girls at the Teshie Presbyterian Salem Primary School.
It also established a bi-weekly reading club and began a library development project at the school to promote reading and improve learning opportunities.
The Executive Director of HelpAge Ghana, Ethel Boakye-Wilson, thanked the club for its longstanding support and visits to older persons.
She raised concerns about the neglect some older people experienced, including within their own families, and urged individuals, organisations and corporate bodies to direct donations and corporate social responsibility initiatives towards their welfare.
HelpAge Ghana works with older persons in their communities rather than operating a residential home.
According to Ms Boakye-Wilson, the organisation reaches older people in 22 communities in Accra and collaborates with affiliates in other parts of the country.
She called for greater attention, care and dignity for older persons, stressing that “age demands action”.
The Principal Dietitian at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Patrick Larbi Awuku, urged older persons to adopt healthy eating habits to maintain their health and reduce the risk of malnutrition and diet-related illnesses.
He identified reduced appetite, changes in taste and smell, difficulties with chewing and swallowing, digestive problems, limited income and social isolation as some of the challenges that could affect nutrition in old age.
Malnutrition, he cautioned, could weaken the immune system, accelerate muscle loss, delay wound healing and increase the risk of falls and fractures, particularly among older persons living with chronic illnesses.
Mr Awuku advised the beneficiaries to reduce their salt intake, limit fats and oils and eat a variety of fruits and vegetables to obtain essential vitamins and other nutrients.
He also highlighted the importance of adequate protein to preserve muscle mass, as well as calcium and Vitamin D to support bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Regular check-ups
A Medical Doctor at the Achimota Hospital, Dr Nana Kwakye Agyeman, highlighted the importance of healthy living and regular medical check-ups in helping older persons prevent and manage health conditions.
He advised them to maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly and seek medical attention for early detection and management of illnesses.
The beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the organisers for the medical screening, medication, toiletries and food items, saying the support would contribute to their well-being.
