August 1, 2024 • 13 mins
Can the idyllic life on a small Greek island hold the key to a longer, healthier life? Discover the hidden secrets of Icaria, where residents enjoy exceptional longevity and vibrant health. Together with Dr. Ogugua Osi-Ogu from Abuja, Nigeria, we explore the unique climate, rich history, and fascinating cultural practices that contribute to the well-being of the Icarian people. Dr. Osi-Ogu shares her invaluable insights into the world of geriatrics, including the strides being made in Nigeria with initiatives like the National Senior Citizen Center and new national policies aimed at improving the quality of life for the elderly.
Ageism is a formidable barrier that older individuals face daily, impacting their ability to live fully and contribute to society. In this episode, we tackle the pervasive issue of age-based discrimination, highlighting the importance of changing societal mindsets. Drawing from personal experiences on television and radio, we discuss the necessity of advocacy and awareness to ensure that older individuals are recognized and valued. Join us for an enlightening conversation on how we can fight ageism and build a more inclusive world for our aging population.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Dr, Bola Sogade (00:00):
Imagine a place where people live well into
their 90s and beyond,maintaining vibrant health and a
joyful outlook on life.
Such a place exists, and onEarth.
Dr Osi-Ogu (00:15):
Places where they're set to forget how to die,
because life expectancy is inthe 90s, so we're definitely
living longer globally.
Dr, Bola Sogade (00:36):
Hello and welcome to CocoaPods, a podcast
of the Birth Center for NaturalDeliveries Foundation.
My name is Dr Bola Sogade.
I'm a women's health specialist.
On this podcast, we talk aboutall the issues relating to
women's health and identify theproblems and talk about ways in
(00:57):
which we can mitigate theproblems.
Welcome to another episode ofCocoaPods podcast.
We have an exciting andinspiring topic to delve into.
In this new series we explorethe fascinating journey of
actually growing to an old agewith vitality.
(01:18):
We'll uncover the secretsbehind longevity like that of
the Icaria's inhabitants.
Icaria is home to a remarkablepopulation who enjoy some of the
longest lifespans in the world.
We'll explore how lifestylerichness in social connections,
(01:42):
a good, healthy diet, forexample, a Mediterranean diet
regular physical activity and arelaxed approach to life
contribute to remarkable healthand happiness, like of the
Icarians.
Before we continue into today'sepisode, let's learn a little
(02:05):
bit more about the island wherepeople forgot to die.
So Icaria is a Greek islandlocated in the Aegean Sea, and
it's known for its stunningnatural beauty, its rich history
and unique cultural practices.
History and unique culturalpractices.
(02:31):
So it's part of a group ofislands situated southwest of
Samos.
It has a mountainous terrian,lush forest and a scenic
coastline and it has aMediterranean climate, with mild
, wet winters and hot, drysummers, and it's notable for
its hot springs.
The thermal springs of Icariaare renowned for their
(02:52):
therapeutic properties.
It has beautiful beaches,including Seychelles Beach, naz
Beach and Livadi Beach, and it'sknown for its traditional
festivals, such as the Panagyria, which celebrates saints' feast
days with food, music and dance.
So, while it's not heavilytouristed as other Greek islands
(03:16):
, icaria attracts visitorsseeking peaceful, authentic
experience.
So our journey today doesn'tjust stop at Ikeria.
We'll hear from an expert who'salso an inspiring individual,
who shares her insights andexperiences on how we can
incorporate some of theseprinciples into our lives, no
(03:40):
matter where we live.
No matter where we live Today,we gain valuable insights from
Dr Ogugua Osi-Ogu, from Abuja,nigeria, an expert in aging.
Dr Osi-Ogu (03:52):
Yes, thank you so much, Dr Sogade, for having me.
It's really a pleasure.
It's really good to be on thispodcast with you and I'm excited
that we'll be talking aboutaging.
Thank you for having me, Thankyou.
Dr, Bola Sogade (04:05):
So, as Dr Osi-Ogu said, she is a
specialist in aging, so can youtell us about your credentials
and your background in agingmedicine?
Dr Osi-Ogu (04:18):
Right.
So I started off medicaltraining at the University of
Ibada here in Nigeria.
I did some practice here inNigeria before I relocated to
Kenya where I worked with a teamof cardiologists about a decade
before I went on to do myresidency and fellowship at the
(04:39):
University of Pittsburgh MedicalCenter Center in Pittsburgh,
pennsylvania.
So as a resident in medicine,about 85% of our patients were
actually older adults and that'show my interest in geriatrics
came to be, and so that led meto do a fellowship in geriatrics
(04:59):
and it really has been.
It has been very enriching forme.
You know, dealing with olderpeople.
They are so important, sograteful for little things that
you do for them, and I love thestories that they have to tell.
I learn a lot.
Like I said, it's reallyenriching.
They think they're gaining fromme, but I'm learning a lot from
(05:21):
my interaction with them.
So I finished my fellowship inPittsburgh and returned home.
Being in the space the Asianspace in the US I realized that
I had not had that exposure inNigeria and for me that was one
of the reasons that I actuallyopted for a geriatrics
(05:42):
fellowship.
So I came back home and I'mreally grateful to God that I
have had the opportunity thatI've had to champion geriatrics
in the country, that I've had tochampion geriatrics in the
country and on my return, 17years, 18 years ago, when I
(06:04):
would say geriatrics, it soundedvery alien.
But today, many more people, mycolleagues are more familiar on
radio, just to raise awarenessoh, but we don't live long in
Nigeria, you're not going tohave much to do.
But that's not the case, wheremy patient cohort have ranged in
age from 60 to 102.
And we know that our lifeexpectancy has definitely
increased.
It's no more in the 40s, noteven in the 50s anymore.
(06:26):
We are now at 61 and 63 for menand women respectively.
So, yes, I'm really excited.
I have also been part ofpolicymaking decision regarding
aging in Nigeria.
We have an agency of government.
It's already established fromthe agitation from all of us
(06:47):
stakeholders in the aging space.
So an agency was established in2021.
It's called the National SeniorCitizen Center and we also now
have a national policy on aging,which is a roadmap that this
agency will be using to plan ourprograms to ensure that as
Nigerians live longer, that theyare healthier, they have
(07:10):
improved livelihood.
Dr, Bola Sogade (07:12):
Thank you.
So the first one was you talkedabout the average life
expectancy for men and women inNigeria in contrast with the
rest of the world, and you alsotalked about your engagement in
media.
Can you talk to us a little bitabout those two items?
Dr Osi-Ogu (07:30):
Right.
So we know that the averagelife expectancy in Nigeria has
improved.
We used to be in the 40s about15, 20 years ago, but we're now
at 61 for the men and 63 yearsfor the women.
We know, though, that theaverage life expectancy globally
is in the 70s, so we're still,you know, falling short, but you
(07:55):
know it's a success story thatwe've moved from the 40s to the
early 60s.
Now, the regions of the worldthat actually have the highest
average life expectancy arecalled the blue zones of the
world Okinawa in Japan, where,if you're born today in Okinawa,
you're expected to live intothe 80s.
(08:17):
Places like Ikaria in Greece,where they're said to forget how
to die because life expectancyis in the 90s.
Dr, Bola Sogade (08:26):
So, as we talk about lifestyle and longevity,
what are the blue zones of theworld and who is Dan Bertner?
The blue zones of the world areareas that have been identified
and studied for their uniquelifestyle characteristics that
contribute to long life.
The concept was popularized byDan Bertner.
(08:51):
Was popularized by Dan Bertner,a National Geographic fellow
and author.
Icaria is one of the world'sblue zones area where people
live significantly longer andhealthier lives compared to the
global average.
The island Icaria is famous forits high number of centenarians,
that is, individuals who havelived to or beyond the age of
(09:16):
100 years old.
So there are original five bluezones in the world.
There is Icaria in Greece.
There is Okinawa, japan.
Okinawa, japan, is home to someof the world's oldest women.
They have a diet high invegetables and tofu, they eat
(09:37):
minimal meat and dairy, and theyhave a strong sense of
community and social support.
Another place is Sardinia, italy, particularly in the Nuoro
province, known for its highconcentration of males that live
to be 100 years old and older,that is, male centenarians the
(09:59):
diet is rich in whole grains.
Centenarians the diet is richin whole grains, beans,
vegetables and lean meat.
They have an active lifestylethat involves physical labor and
walking.
So the blue zones of the worldare number one, icaria, greece,
number two, okinawa, japan,number three, sardinia, italy,
number four, loma LindaCalifornia and number five,
(10:23):
nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica.
So Loma Linda California ishome to a community of seven-day
Adventists.
It has a plant-based diet,regular exercise and a focus on
family and faith and abstinencefrom smoking and alcohol.
(10:44):
There are other areas of theworld that have been identified
as blue zones, such as SouthAfrica, that has the seventh
highest number of centenariansper capita in the world, and
there are other places in Franceand Thailand.
So these blue zones blue zonesquote-unquote share common
lifestyle traits such asplant-based diet, regular
(11:08):
physical activity, strong socialengagement and connections,
reduced stress and a sense ofpurpose, which are believed to
contribute to their residents'exceptional longevity and health
.
So we go back to our guest, theaging specialist, Dr Osi Ogu.
Dr Osi-Ogu (11:26):
So we're definitely living longer globally, and
Nigeria's life expectancy isalso inching up.
We're happy about that.
Currently, the Living StandardsSurvey from the National Bureau
of Statistics gives us a figureof about 15 million people.
So, generally in this part ofthe world, because of the youth
(11:46):
bulge, you find that olderpeople are thought to have had
their lives and so make way forthe younger ones.
But as long as you're alive,you have rights Rights to good
health care, rights to anopportunity for lifelong
learning, rights for opportunityfor employment if you have the
(12:09):
desire for it.
And these are all the thingsthat are embedded in the WHO's
decade of healthy aging.
So part of the advocacy that Ido with other stakeholders is,
you know, shining light on theseaging issues to ensure that we
curb what we describe as ageism,which is a prejudice or
(12:29):
discrimination purely based onage.
Oh, you're 85, you know, you'vehad a life, you know we don't
need to see you, we don't needto hear you, we don't need to
make any plans for you.
And this ageism cuts acrosssectors.
It's institutional, it's therein the family.
Even the older personsthemselves have prejudice
(12:51):
against themselves.
They feel oh, you know what,I'm old, you don't need to have
any plans for me, spend moneythat you could spend on me, on
my grandchildren.
So those are the things that wehope to change the mindset
towards aging and towards olderpeople, to ensure that we give
them a platform to continue tolive healthy and contribute to
(13:14):
society, by the way, so I makeappearances on television and on
radio to talk about these agingissues.
Dr, Bola Sogade (13:22):
Wow, yeah, thank you so very much for that
Next episode.
While aging is inevitable,there are steps that one can
take to age gracefully andmaintain a healthy and vibrant
lifestyle.
Imagine a place where people live well into
their 90s and beyond,maintaining vibrant health and a
joyful outlook on life.
Such a place exists, and onEarth.
Dr Osi-Ogu (00:15):
Places where they're set to forget how to die,
because life expectancy is inthe 90s, so we're definitely
living longer globally.
Dr, Bola Sogade (00:36):
Hello and welcome to CocoaPods, a podcast
of the Birth Center for NaturalDeliveries Foundation.
My name is Dr Bola Sogade.
I'm a women's health specialist.
On this podcast, we talk aboutall the issues relating to
women's health and identify theproblems and talk about ways in
(00:57):
which we can mitigate theproblems.
Welcome to another episode ofCocoaPods podcast.
We have an exciting andinspiring topic to delve into.
In this new series we explorethe fascinating journey of
actually growing to an old agewith vitality.
(01:18):
We'll uncover the secretsbehind longevity like that of
the Icaria's inhabitants.
Icaria is home to a remarkablepopulation who enjoy some of the
longest lifespans in the world.
We'll explore how lifestylerichness in social connections,
(01:42):
a good, healthy diet, forexample, a Mediterranean diet
regular physical activity and arelaxed approach to life
contribute to remarkable healthand happiness, like of the
Icarians.
Before we continue into today'sepisode, let's learn a little
(02:05):
bit more about the island wherepeople forgot to die.
So Icaria is a Greek islandlocated in the Aegean Sea, and
it's known for its stunningnatural beauty, its rich history
and unique cultural practices.
History and unique culturalpractices.
(02:31):
So it's part of a group ofislands situated southwest of
Samos.
It has a mountainous terrian,lush forest and a scenic
coastline and it has aMediterranean climate, with mild
, wet winters and hot, drysummers, and it's notable for
its hot springs.
The thermal springs of Icariaare renowned for their
(02:52):
therapeutic properties.
It has beautiful beaches,including Seychelles Beach, naz
Beach and Livadi Beach, and it'sknown for its traditional
festivals, such as the Panagyria, which celebrates saints' feast
days with food, music and dance.
So, while it's not heavilytouristed as other Greek islands
(03:16):
, icaria attracts visitorsseeking peaceful, authentic
experience.
So our journey today doesn'tjust stop at Ikeria.
We'll hear from an expert who'salso an inspiring individual,
who shares her insights andexperiences on how we can
incorporate some of theseprinciples into our lives, no
(03:40):
matter where we live.
No matter where we live Today,we gain valuable insights from
Dr Ogugua Osi-Ogu, from Abuja,nigeria, an expert in aging.
Dr Osi-Ogu (03:52):
Yes, thank you so much, Dr Sogade, for having me.
It's really a pleasure.
It's really good to be on thispodcast with you and I'm excited
that we'll be talking aboutaging.
Thank you for having me, Thankyou.
Dr, Bola Sogade (04:05):
So, as Dr Osi-Ogu said, she is a
specialist in aging, so can youtell us about your credentials
and your background in agingmedicine?
Dr Osi-Ogu (04:18):
Right.
So I started off medicaltraining at the University of
Ibada here in Nigeria.
I did some practice here inNigeria before I relocated to
Kenya where I worked with a teamof cardiologists about a decade
before I went on to do myresidency and fellowship at the
(04:39):
University of Pittsburgh MedicalCenter Center in Pittsburgh,
pennsylvania.
So as a resident in medicine,about 85% of our patients were
actually older adults and that'show my interest in geriatrics
came to be, and so that led meto do a fellowship in geriatrics
(04:59):
and it really has been.
It has been very enriching forme.
You know, dealing with olderpeople.
They are so important, sograteful for little things that
you do for them, and I love thestories that they have to tell.
I learn a lot.
Like I said, it's reallyenriching.
They think they're gaining fromme, but I'm learning a lot from
(05:21):
my interaction with them.
So I finished my fellowship inPittsburgh and returned home.
Being in the space the Asianspace in the US I realized that
I had not had that exposure inNigeria and for me that was one
of the reasons that I actuallyopted for a geriatrics
(05:42):
fellowship.
So I came back home and I'mreally grateful to God that I
have had the opportunity thatI've had to champion geriatrics
in the country, that I've had tochampion geriatrics in the
country and on my return, 17years, 18 years ago, when I
(06:04):
would say geriatrics, it soundedvery alien.
But today, many more people, mycolleagues are more familiar on
radio, just to raise awarenessoh, but we don't live long in
Nigeria, you're not going tohave much to do.
But that's not the case, wheremy patient cohort have ranged in
age from 60 to 102.
And we know that our lifeexpectancy has definitely
increased.
It's no more in the 40s, noteven in the 50s anymore.
(06:26):
We are now at 61 and 63 for menand women respectively.
So, yes, I'm really excited.
I have also been part ofpolicymaking decision regarding
aging in Nigeria.
We have an agency of government.
It's already established fromthe agitation from all of us
(06:47):
stakeholders in the aging space.
So an agency was established in2021.
It's called the National SeniorCitizen Center and we also now
have a national policy on aging,which is a roadmap that this
agency will be using to plan ourprograms to ensure that as
Nigerians live longer, that theyare healthier, they have
(07:10):
improved livelihood.
Dr, Bola Sogade (07:12):
Thank you.
So the first one was you talkedabout the average life
expectancy for men and women inNigeria in contrast with the
rest of the world, and you alsotalked about your engagement in
media.
Can you talk to us a little bitabout those two items?
Dr Osi-Ogu (07:30):
Right.
So we know that the averagelife expectancy in Nigeria has
improved.
We used to be in the 40s about15, 20 years ago, but we're now
at 61 for the men and 63 yearsfor the women.
We know, though, that theaverage life expectancy globally
is in the 70s, so we're still,you know, falling short, but you
(07:55):
know it's a success story thatwe've moved from the 40s to the
early 60s.
Now, the regions of the worldthat actually have the highest
average life expectancy arecalled the blue zones of the
world Okinawa in Japan, where,if you're born today in Okinawa,
you're expected to live intothe 80s.
(08:17):
Places like Ikaria in Greece,where they're said to forget how
to die because life expectancyis in the 90s.
Dr, Bola Sogade (08:26):
So, as we talk about lifestyle and longevity,
what are the blue zones of theworld and who is Dan Bertner?
The blue zones of the world areareas that have been identified
and studied for their uniquelifestyle characteristics that
contribute to long life.
The concept was popularized byDan Bertner.
(08:51):
Was popularized by Dan Bertner,a National Geographic fellow
and author.
Icaria is one of the world'sblue zones area where people
live significantly longer andhealthier lives compared to the
global average.
The island Icaria is famous forits high number of centenarians,
that is, individuals who havelived to or beyond the age of
(09:16):
100 years old.
So there are original five bluezones in the world.
There is Icaria in Greece.
There is Okinawa, japan.
Okinawa, japan, is home to someof the world's oldest women.
They have a diet high invegetables and tofu, they eat
(09:37):
minimal meat and dairy, and theyhave a strong sense of
community and social support.
Another place is Sardinia, italy, particularly in the Nuoro
province, known for its highconcentration of males that live
to be 100 years old and older,that is, male centenarians the
(09:59):
diet is rich in whole grains.
Centenarians the diet is richin whole grains, beans,
vegetables and lean meat.
They have an active lifestylethat involves physical labor and
walking.
So the blue zones of the worldare number one, icaria, greece,
number two, okinawa, japan,number three, sardinia, italy,
number four, loma LindaCalifornia and number five,
(10:23):
nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica.
So Loma Linda California ishome to a community of seven-day
Adventists.
It has a plant-based diet,regular exercise and a focus on
family and faith and abstinencefrom smoking and alcohol.
(10:44):
There are other areas of theworld that have been identified
as blue zones, such as SouthAfrica, that has the seventh
highest number of centenariansper capita in the world, and
there are other places in Franceand Thailand.
So these blue zones blue zonesquote-unquote share common
lifestyle traits such asplant-based diet, regular
(11:08):
physical activity, strong socialengagement and connections,
reduced stress and a sense ofpurpose, which are believed to
contribute to their residents'exceptional longevity and health
.
So we go back to our guest, theaging specialist, Dr Osi Ogu.
Dr Osi-Ogu (11:26):
So we're definitely living longer globally, and
Nigeria's life expectancy isalso inching up.
We're happy about that.
Currently, the Living StandardsSurvey from the National Bureau
of Statistics gives us a figureof about 15 million people.
So, generally in this part ofthe world, because of the youth
(11:46):
bulge, you find that olderpeople are thought to have had
their lives and so make way forthe younger ones.
But as long as you're alive,you have rights Rights to good
health care, rights to anopportunity for lifelong
learning, rights for opportunityfor employment if you have the
(12:09):
desire for it.
And these are all the thingsthat are embedded in the WHO's
decade of healthy aging.
So part of the advocacy that Ido with other stakeholders is,
you know, shining light on theseaging issues to ensure that we
curb what we describe as ageism,which is a prejudice or
(12:29):
discrimination purely based onage.
Oh, you're 85, you know, you'vehad a life, you know we don't
need to see you, we don't needto hear you, we don't need to
make any plans for you.
And this ageism cuts acrosssectors.
It's institutional, it's therein the family.
Even the older personsthemselves have prejudice
(12:51):
against themselves.
They feel oh, you know what,I'm old, you don't need to have
any plans for me, spend moneythat you could spend on me, on
my grandchildren.
So those are the things that wehope to change the mindset
towards aging and towards olderpeople, to ensure that we give
them a platform to continue tolive healthy and contribute to
(13:14):
society, by the way, so I makeappearances on television and on
radio to talk about these agingissues.
Dr, Bola Sogade (13:22):
Wow, yeah, thank you so very much for that
Next episode.
While aging is inevitable,there are steps that one can
take to age gracefully andmaintain a healthy and vibrant
lifestyle.
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