Dr Abdul-Haadi Thiamy, a neurologist at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, has recommended that Nigerians pay attention to caring for their older relatives and make sure they live in a place that helps them stay healthy.
Thiamy, also an Islamic scholar, suggested that older people do not have to eat three meals a day and instead should drink plenty of water, and consume fruits and vegetables to maintain their health.
The neurologist delivered a speech in Iwo, Osun State on Sunday, as the guest speaker at the 28th Ramadan lecture in honor of the late Sheikh Adatulahh Alaye.
He stated that older people should avoid eating junk food, which could harm their bodies.
Under the topic, ‘Aging and the Care of the Elderly: Prophetic Traditions and Orthodox Science,’ Thiamy also emphasized the importance of keeping older people around those who are mentally and socially connected to them.
He emphasized, “So, they (the elderly) need to be concerned about their health, go for regular medical check up, drink a lot of water, and eat more fruits and vegetables.
“Eating fruits and vegetables helps to preserve their system and eliminate disease-causing and cancer-causing agents in their bodies before they can cause these conditions.
“Islam highly values older people. Allah wants us to take excellent care of our elders. The best care we can provide is to keep them around people who are emotionally and socially connected to them.
“As they age, their body processes slow down, leading to poor memory and reduced heart and kidney function.
“Their heart starts to strain, causing high blood pressure as it tries to keep up with the body. The kidneys start to malfunction along with other parts of the body.”
