'Elderly must eat healthy'

Over 500 elderly citizens in Delhi participated in the World Health Day walkathon on Saturday.

P K Pradhan, secretary, ministry of health and family welfare and Dr Nata Menabde, WHO India representative flagged off the walk along with an enthusiastic group of 60 plus citizens at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences.

On the World Health Day 2012, the World Health Organisation (WHO), India called for greater attention and action towards promoting a society where the elderly can live healthy lives.

This year's theme revolves around “Ageing and Health” and “Good health adds life to years”.

“If we make healthy choices at an early age we can lead a healthy life during old age as well,” added Dr Menabde.

According to WHO's estimates, India’s population is ageing and will continue to age steadily in the next few decades.

It is estimated that the population aged 60 years and above will grow to 300 million by 2050, which was 77 million in 2001.

Menabde added that Indians need to change their eating habits and lifestyle to lead better lives.