We had the privilege of sitting down with Robert at the Regional summit on policy innovation for healthy ageing in the WHO European Region, in Lisbon, Portugal, where he shared his inspiring story, underscoring the power of perseverance.
Robert's journey
Robert's quest for a healthier life began on an ordinary day on his way to work in Lagos, Nigeria. "I fainted in the car. When I came around, I was in front of a hospital," he recounts. However, instead of seeking immediate medical attention, he decided to head back home.
"That same evening, convinced in my mind that I was still fit, I put on a pair of running shoes and tried to jog down the road in front of our house," he reminisces. "I had palpitations, spots in front of my eyes, and felt quite ill. And then I was quite frightened."
Robert seized this moment as a wake-up call to embark on a journey of self-care, determined to prioritize his own health. He began by making small changes and incorporating some exercise into his daily routine. “I started jogging after work or walking around a local football field around the house, just slowly and gradually losing weight and changing my diet. I became careful with what I was eating and drinking. The combination helped me get fitter, definitely.”
As he continued, he started to enjoy running as a sport and eventually started participating in marathons. However, the strain on his knees convinced him to seek an alternative path, leading him to the world of triathlons – endurance races consisting of swimming, cycling, and running. "Triathlons offer a well-rounded approach to exercise. They combine strength training, coordination, and equally essential, mental preparation," he explains.
At the age of 65, Robert competed in his first Iron Man triathlon, a journey that led to 3 victories and 2 runner-up titles. In 2020, he won the European Championship for the half-Iron Man in Copenhagen.
Embracing physical activity as a lifestyle
Robert is focused on more than just the thrill of competition: he truly enjoys his newfound lifestyle. “The competition isn’t everything. I have enjoyed the journey I've had through all the training. For me, training is a lifestyle.”
Robert strongly believes that being inactive is not the best way to start one's later years. Instead, he advocates for staying active from a young age to ensure a healthier older life, and he thinks this is something everyone can achieve with the right mindset.
“The main message I would give to anyone who’s starting to have aspirations to get fit is the 3 D’s. Desire – you have to want to get fit. Determination – you have to be determined that you will do it and you will get fit. And finally, discipline – you have to be disciplined to do the activities that will make you fit.”
Physical activity and ageing
As of 2024, people aged 65 and over in the WHO European Region will surpass those under 15. The Lisbon Outcome Statement, adopted at the summit in Lisbon, is a step forward toward addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by Europe's ageing population.
WHO/Europe's new report, titled Promoting physical activity and healthy diets for healthy ageing in the WHO European Region, shows that just 20 minutes of daily physical activity can reduce all-cause mortality risk by 28%. The report also highlights key strategies for healthier ageing, which include prioritizing community-based physical activity programmes, providing brief advice on nutrition and physical activity as part of primary care, and developing age-friendly communities.
During the summit’s 2 days, Robert engaged with experts and participants to discuss more and new ways for the health sector, local authorities and sport communities to come together to build age-friendly communities in the 53 countries across the Region.