Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has offered fresh insights into what he believes elderly Nigerians must do to increase their chances of living beyond 90 years, stressing that longevity is strongly tied to disciplined lifestyle habits rather than chance or genetics alone.
Obasanjo made the remarks during a public event held in Osogbo, Osun State, where he was represented by Governor Ademola Adeleke.
The occasion marked an 80th birthday celebration of a prominent Nigerian figure, but it also became a platform for broader reflection on ageing, health, and lifestyle discipline among older citizens.
According to the former president, ageing should not be seen as a period of decline but rather as a phase that requires intentional care, structure, and conscious health management.
He argued that many health challenges associated with old age can be reduced or avoided entirely if individuals adopt consistent and healthy routines early enough and maintain them into their later years.
Obasanjo emphasised three major pillars of healthy ageing: diet, physical activity, and rest.
He advised octogenarians to maintain a controlled eating pattern, avoid excessive food intake, and prioritise balanced nutrition.
He specifically recommended moderation in meals, suggesting that elderly individuals should avoid overfeeding and instead focus on simple, well-balanced diets.
In addition to diet, he highlighted the importance of daily physical activity.
According to him, regular walking or light exercise for at least one hour a day can significantly improve cardiovascular health, mobility, and overall vitality among older adults.
He noted that inactivity is one of the major contributors to age-related health decline.
Sleep and rest were also central to his message.
Obasanjo advised that elderly individuals should aim for sufficient sleep, describing rest as a critical component of physical and mental recovery.
He warned that irregular sleep patterns or chronic fatigue can negatively impact overall health outcomes in old age.
Beyond physical health, the former president also indirectly touched on mental discipline, stressing the importance of maintaining structured daily routines.
He suggested that consistency in lifestyle choices is key to longevity, as irregular habits often lead to preventable health complications.
Obasanjo’s comments reflect his long-standing advocacy for healthy living, a theme he has repeatedly emphasised in public appearances over the years.
He has often encouraged Nigerians, particularly older citizens, to prioritise wellness through simple but consistent lifestyle adjustments rather than relying solely on medical interventions.
Health experts generally support many of these recommendations, noting that global research has consistently shown strong links between longevity and lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, stress management, and social engagement.
Studies in geriatric medicine suggest that individuals who maintain active lifestyles tend to experience slower physical decline and reduced risk of chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart conditions.
Nigeria, like many developing countries, is currently experiencing a gradual increase in life expectancy, but challenges remain due to limited healthcare access, rising non-communicable diseases, and lifestyle-related health risks.
In this context, public health advocates argue that awareness messages from influential figures like Obasanjo can help reinforce healthier behaviours among the population.
The former president’s message also resonates with broader conversations around healthy ageing in Africa, where extended family structures and community living have traditionally played a role in supporting elderly care.
However, modern urban lifestyles and economic pressures are gradually changing these dynamics, making personal health discipline even more important.
Obasanjo’s remarks were well received at the event, where attendees described his advice as practical, relatable, and grounded in lived experience.
Many noted that his continued public engagement at an advanced age serves as an example of the lifestyle principles he advocates.
The discussion around longevity is becoming increasingly relevant in Nigeria as life expectancy slowly rises and the population of elderly citizens continues to grow.
Experts say that without intentional health planning and awareness, ageing populations could place additional pressure on already stretched healthcare systems.
In this context, preventive health measures—such as those highlighted by Obasanjo—are gaining renewed attention among policymakers, healthcare providers, and civil society organisations.
While genetics and medical care play important roles in determining lifespan, Obasanjo’s message reinforces a growing consensus that everyday lifestyle choices remain one of the most powerful tools for achieving healthy ageing.
His advice ultimately centres on simplicity: eat moderately, stay active, rest adequately, and maintain discipline.
According to him, these basic habits, if consistently followed, can significantly improve the quality and length of life.