Takoradi Technical University (TTU), through its Centre of Excellence for Gender, Disability and Advocacy (CEGENDA), has held an International Men’s Day Exposition aimed at equipping men with practical strategies to thrive in midlife and beyond.
Held on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, at the N.A.T. Auditorium Conference Room 1, the exposition was themed “Navigating the Midlife Crossroads: Strategies for Men to Thrive in the Second Half of Life.” The programme brought together health professionals, counsellors and university administrators to discuss physical health, emotional wellbeing and lifestyle choices critical to men’s longevity.
The Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, graced the event, which featured Mr Theophilus Quartey as keynote speaker and Dr Diana Araba Eshun as a speaker.
Central to the discussions was the importance of self-care, with speakers stressing that men must intentionally prioritise their health if they are to remain productive in their families, workplaces and communities. Participants were reminded that “you can’t pour from an empty cup,” underscoring the need for men to take responsibility for their physical and mental wellbeing.
The health session outlined four key pillars for healthy ageing. The first pillar focused on strength and muscle building, encouraging men to engage in strength training two to three times a week to boost testosterone levels naturally, improve joint health, enhance mobility and reduce belly fat while supporting good posture.
Cardiovascular health formed the second pillar, with recommendations for daily 30-minute walks and moderate “Zone 2” cardio exercises to improve endurance, support heart and lung function and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Flexibility and mobility were highlighted as the third pillar. Men were encouraged to incorporate at least 10 minutes of daily stretching, yoga or mobility routines to prevent injury, reduce stiffness and improve balance and posture, especially as they age.
The fourth pillar addressed sleep and recovery. Speakers advised men to aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night, maintain a consistent sleep schedule, reduce alcohol intake and avoid heavy night meals, noting that quality sleep supports hormone regulation and tissue repair.
Beyond structured exercise and rest, the exposition also emphasised lifestyle habits that promote longevity. These included walking more throughout the day, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, managing stress through relaxation routines, maintaining a healthy weight and staying sexually active as part of overall wellbeing.
Relationship and family life were also discussed as part of a broader midlife action plan, with men encouraged to build strong relationships and lead their families with purpose.
The International Men’s Day Exposition forms part of TTU’s ongoing commitment to gender advocacy and holistic wellbeing, creating space for men to openly engage with health, ageing and personal development issues often overlooked in public discourse.
