More than 100 elderly people took part on Saturday, October 10, in a sports and recreational day at Banco National Park in Abidjan. Organized by the Directorate of Social Action, the initiative combined physical activities and discussions to encourage the participation of seniors in community life.
The meeting was held in continuation of the International Day of Older Persons, celebrated on October 1st. Gymnastics and fitness activities were included in the program, alongside awareness sessions.
A gerontologist, a geriatrician, and doctors led the discussions. These focused on physical activity, nutrition, maintaining autonomy, and combating social isolation.
The Director of Social Action, Viviane Kossa, described this day as a way to support the well-being of the elderly. The organization fell under the General Directorate of Social Protection of the Ministry of Employment, Social Protection, and Vocational Training.
Social connection is a documented health issue. In a fact sheet updated on July 20, 2026, the World Health Organization estimates that loneliness and isolation affect approximately one quarter of elderly people worldwide. It highlights the role of friendly encounters and community activities.
WHO also emphasizes the importance of accessible transportation and venues to enable seniors to continue engaging in activities that matter to them. At Banco, transportation arrangements have been made to facilitate participation in the event.
The Banco forest seen from the fish farm, November 6, 2016. Archive photo of the location: Emmanuel Grebo / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped and converted to WebP.
