In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed the passing of some of its most iconic traditional rulers and political figures—many of them at remarkably old ages, by our national standards.
-
The Alaafin of Oyo – passed in 2022, aged 83
-
The Olubadan of Ibadan – passed in 2022, aged 93
-
The Soun of Ogbomoso – also passed in 2022, aged 95
-
Former President Muhammadu Buhari – died in 2025, aged 82
-
The Awujale of Ijebu – reported just recently to have passed, aged 91
-
Another Olubadan of Ibadan – again in 2025, at a ripe old age
This pattern raises a powerful question:
What are they doing that many ordinary Nigerians are not?
Why do so many die in their 50s, while others push well into their 80s and 90s?
At TCM Nigeria Blog, we believe it’s time to shift that conversation from mystery to method. A big part of it starts at age 40.
🧠 Why Age 40 is a Turning Point for Your Body
At 40, the body begins to shift. Muscle mass starts to decline. Hormonal balances begin to change. The body’s ability to recover slows down. Many health issues—like high blood pressure, diabetes, and joint pain—begin to quietly take root.
But here’s the good news: It’s not too late to make a change. In fact, this is the best time to act.
Think of 40 as nature’s wake-up call. A whisper that says:
“Slow down, check in with yourself, and start living with intention.”
🥗 Eat Like Your Life Depends On It—Because It Does
One thing many elders who live long have in common is their diet—often simple, natural, and moderate. They may not be vegan or keto or follow trendy diets, but they respect food and understand that it is medicine.
Here’s what changes you can start making at 40:
-
Reduce processed foods – avoid anything in a sachet, can, or plastic that lasts forever.
-
Increase fiber – local foods like okra, beans, unrefined pap, ewedu, and garden eggs.
-
Eat more plants – greens, roots, and fruits rich in antioxidants.
-
Moderate meat and alcohol – especially red meat, fried foods, and sugar.
-
Respect your portions – eat until you are satisfied, not stuffed.
At TCM Nigeria Blog, we’ve written often about how traditional herbs and African plants—like bitter leaf, scent leaf, turmeric, moringa, and ugwu—can restore internal balance and improve organ function naturally.
🏃🏽♂️ Move or Rust: The Power of Exercise After 40
Even light daily activity can drastically improve your chances of living a longer, disease-free life.
Why is exercise so powerful?
-
It keeps blood flowing and pressure balanced.
-
It supports liver, kidney, and heart function.
-
It reduces stress, which is a silent killer after 40.
-
It improves sleep, immunity, and bone strength.
You don’t need a gym. You need consistency.
Just 30 minutes of walking, dancing, stretching, or yard work daily can change everything.
🌿 Lessons From the Elders
Many of the late rulers and dignitaries we’ve lost in recent years had access to healthcare, yes. But some also lived by disciplined habits, ate in moderation, and avoided the rush and noise of modern living.
They may not have known the science, but they practiced the art of longevity:
-
Regular fasting
-
Low exposure to alcohol and tobacco
-
Mental calm and spiritual grounding
-
Community and purpose
These are age-old wisdoms we overlook in favor of pills and fast fixes.
🌍 Can Nigerians Live to 100?
Absolutely. But it won’t happen by accident.
If we begin to take our health seriously at 40, make better food choices, and move our bodies every day, we could see more Nigerians living not just to 80 or 90, but to 100—and doing so with strength, clarity, and dignity.
At TCM Nigeria Blog, we combine the best of Traditional Chinese Medicine, African herbal wisdom, and modern health science to guide you on that journey.
It’s time to reclaim our health—not with fear, but with knowledge and daily intention.
🌱 Final Word
Living long is not just for kings and presidents. It is for you, your family, and your community.
Let’s choose life—vibrant, fruitful, and long-lasting.
Comments
Post a Comment