EXECUTIVE Director of Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), Dr Delila Kimambo, has called on retired health workers to embrace regular exercise and maintain strong social networks to reduce loneliness and promote healthy aging.

Dr Kimambo made the remarks over the weekend while officiating at a reunion for long-serving and retired health professionals in Dar es Salaam. The event was organised by Blisspals, an organisation dedicated to serving older adults.

Highlighting the importance of physical activity, Dr Kimambo noted that advancing age weakens muscles, but regular exercise can restore strength and improve overall wellbeing.

“Older people must keep exercising to protect their muscles and health. We also need to avoid isolation by staying united, making friends, and engaging in community activities that remove loneliness,” she said.

She emphasized that retirement should not be viewed as the end of life but rather as the start of a new chapter. “One can still live a productive life for decades after leaving formal employment,” she added.

Dr Kimambo noted that discussions at the reunion focused on health education in old age, proper diet, staying active, and continuing to contribute productively to society.

Echoing her remarks, Dr Ally Mzige, former Director of Preventive Services at the Ministry of Health, called for a national policy enabling retirees to continue sharing their expertise. He proposed establishing a database of retired health professionals to allow the public access to their medical knowledge.

Dr Mzige also suggested rethinking the naming of the Ministry of Health and Nutrition, pointing out that most diseases are linked to diet and metabolic factors rather than heredity. “Older people can play a role in addressing these challenges at the community level with affordable interventions,” he said.

Felister Swai, Blisspals coordinator and former Amref staff, said the gathering aimed to reconnect retired doctors and health professionals, giving them a platform to network and remain engaged in service delivery. “We plan to expand beyond Dar es Salaam and organise similar events across the country,” she added.

Dr Florence Temu, Blisspals board member, said the reunion provided retirees with an opportunity to discuss challenges and encourage one another to age gracefully. “When you retire, you should retire well psychologically, spiritually, and with confidence while still being useful in the health sector,” she emphasised.

The event brought together dozens of retired medical professionals, highlighting the growing recognition of retirement as a transition into a new phase of purposeful and active living.