Brazzaville—Every year on 1 October, the world marks the International Day of Older Persons, a day to celebrate the contributions of older people and raise awareness of the opportunities and challenges that come with ageing. In 2026 the day is being marked under the theme “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives,” underscoring the need to ensure that longer lives are also healthier and more fulfilling. The World Health Organization (WHO) is highlighting the importance of health and social systems that respond to the needs and rights of older people and enable them to continue contributing to their families and communities.
In Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, Helene Dos Santos Kanda, shares the steps she takes every day to lead a healthy lifestyle. Surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, the 81-year-old remains active, ensures balanced and healthy diet, and maintains close family ties for social well-being.
Staying active every day
“It gives me great joy that the Lord has allowed me to reach this age,” she says. “I am very proud and happy. Especially because I have my grandchildren, my great-grandchildren and my children around me. I really feel happy.”
Ms Dos Santos, a former university lecturer, spent much of her career with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), where she worked until her retirement in 2002.
But retirement has never meant becoming inactive. Since 2009, she has been involved in the management of the Association of Former United Nations Staff Members. Working with the Association has enabled her to remain engaged and stay connected with former colleagues.
Staying active is an important part of her daily life. Each day begins in the same way.
“As soon as I wake up, I thank God for giving me the gift of life,” she says.
She then embarks on physical exercise. Walking, abdominal exercises and sometimes cycling are all part of her daily routine. This discipline helps her maintain her energy and physical autonomy and enables her to fully enjoy family and community activities.
For her, it is important to start each day with a purpose and to keep moving, regardless of age.
Well-being is also about the mind
For Ms Dos Santos, good health is about more than physical activity. She also places great importance on relationships with others and on how people deal with life’s challenges.
“You should not live in isolation. You need to be among people, among your loved ones.”
She believes that joy, forgiveness and letting go of resentment contribute to well-being.
“I never go to bed angry. I don’t hold grudge against anyone.”
Over the years, she has learned not to let difficulties take control of her life.
“Every problem has a solution. And if I cannot find it, I let it go and continue living with a light heart.”
For her, growing older means learning to live with peace of mind and holding on to one’s joy in life.
Family, her greatest source of happiness
If there is one thing that holds a special place in Mrs Dos Santos’ daily life, it is her family.
The moments she spends with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are among those she values most. She especially enjoys cooking for them.
“When I cook, they enjoy it. It makes me very happy. It is my reason for living,” she says.
Preparing meals for her family allows her to care for her loved ones and spend time with the different generations around her. These family ties remain at the heart of her life.
A message for future generations
On International Day of Older Persons, Ms Dos Santos shares the lessons she has learned over the years.
She encourages young people to set goals, believe in their abilities and take charge of their future.
“It is important to recognize your abilities and set clear goals in order to succeed, thrive and grow older with peace of mind,” she says.
She also stresses the importance of education, discipline and responsibility.
“Love yourself, exercise self-control and change your mindset in order to achieve your goals.”
Ms Dos Santos continues to lead an active life within her family and community. Through physical activity, continued engagement and strong family connections, she shows that growing older can also be an opportunity to share one’s experience, remain useful to others and find joy in the simple things in life.
