Senegal’s first aquagym program has drawn praise from health professionals for helping people with reduced mobility caused by noncommunicable diseases. The chronic illnesses include heart disease, stroke and arthritis. As life expectancy rises sharply across Africa, these diseases have become more common, often leaving older adults with pain and limited mobility. But treatment and rehabilitation services have not kept pace on a largely youthful continent. The aquagym in Dakar emerged little over a decade ago as a rare, low-cost option to relieve pain and improve mobility. It has drawn praise from health professionals and has hundreds of attendees.
