A Reflection by Burundi Elderly Home Care (BEHC)
As the world turns its attention to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16, millions of football lovers across the globe are preparing to witness one of the most exciting stages of the tournament. Families, friends, and communities will gather to cheer for their favorite teams, celebrate unforgettable moments, and experience the unique joy that only football can bring.
For many people, football is more than just a sport—it is a lifelong passion, a source of happiness, and a powerful force that unites people regardless of nationality, religion, social status, or age.
At Burundi Elderly Home Care (BEHC), we firmly believe that older persons have an equal right to participate in these moments of joy and social inclusion. While discussions about ageing often focus on healthcare, nutrition, and economic support, emotional wellbeing and recreation are equally essential for healthy ageing.
Football: A Game for Every Generation
Football has an extraordinary ability to connect generations. Grandparents watch matches with their grandchildren, families celebrate victories together, and entire communities unite behind a common passion.
Many of today’s elderly supporters have followed football for decades. They witnessed the legendary performances of football icons from different generations and have accumulated memories that continue to inspire conversations with younger people.
For older persons, watching football offers numerous benefits, including:
- Mental stimulation and cognitive engagement.
- Opportunities for social interaction.
- Reduced feelings of loneliness and isolation.
- Improved emotional wellbeing.
- Stronger family bonds across generations.
- A sense of belonging within the community.
Research around the world continues to demonstrate that social participation and recreational activities contribute significantly to healthier and more fulfilling lives for older adults.
The Voice of a Football-Loving Elder
Among the many elderly football enthusiasts in Burundi is Mr. Nkezimana Alex, a 67-year-old gentleman whose love for football has remained strong throughout his life.
Reflecting on the ongoing FIFA World Cup, Mr. Nkezimana shared:
“I have loved football since I was a young man. I have been following this World Cup from the very beginning whenever I can. The only matches I sometimes miss are those broadcast very late at night. Football brings happiness and gives us something exciting to discuss with our friends and family. I know I am not the only elderly person who enjoys football. There are many others just like me.”
His words highlight a simple but powerful reality: the love of football does not diminish with age.
Instead, for many older persons, football remains a cherished part of life that brings excitement, memories, and hope.
The Challenge Facing Many Older Burundians
Unfortunately, many elderly people in Burundi are unable to enjoy the FIFA World Cup despite their passion for the game.
Burundi continues to face significant economic challenges. Many households struggle to meet basic daily needs, making subscription television services inaccessible for a large proportion of the population.
Watching World Cup matches often requires paid satellite television services that many families simply cannot afford.
As a result, countless older persons—especially those living in rural communities or on limited incomes—are excluded from one of the world’s greatest sporting celebrations.
This situation creates not only a digital divide but also a social divide, where entertainment and cultural participation become privileges rather than shared national experiences.
A Call to Support Public Broadcasting
Mr. Nkezimana Alex believes that football should be accessible to everyone, regardless of income.
He respectfully calls upon the Government of Burundi to consider supporting Radio-Télévision Nationale du Burundi (RTNB) by securing broadcasting rights or facilitating access to FIFA World Cup matches whenever possible.
Such an initiative would allow millions of Burundians—including older persons, children, youth, and families—to enjoy the tournament together without the financial burden of expensive satellite subscriptions.
Access to major sporting events through public broadcasting can strengthen national unity, encourage family interaction, and ensure that no one is excluded simply because of economic circumstances.
Why This Matters to Older Persons
Healthy ageing extends beyond hospitals and medicines.
It also includes:
- Happiness.
- Recreation.
- Social participation.
- Mental wellbeing.
- Community inclusion.
- Shared cultural experiences.
Watching football together encourages conversation, laughter, memory sharing, and emotional connection.
For older persons living alone, these moments can reduce isolation and improve overall wellbeing.
For grandparents, football offers opportunities to connect with younger generations, passing down stories, values, and lifelong memories.
BEHC’s Commitment
Burundi Elderly Home Care (BEHC) was founded with the vision of restoring dignity, hope, and quality of life to older persons throughout Burundi.
Although the organization currently operates through community outreach due to limited financial resources, BEHC continues to advocate for the holistic wellbeing of elderly people.
Our work recognizes that older persons deserve not only healthcare and protection but also opportunities for recreation, social engagement, and participation in national and global events.
This is why BEHC has produced and shared the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 Fixture—not merely as a football schedule, but as a reminder that sport belongs to everyone, regardless of age.
A Message to Families
As the FIFA World Cup continues, BEHC encourages families across Burundi to include older relatives in the celebration.
Watch matches together.
Listen to their stories about football from decades past.
Celebrate goals together.
Create new memories.
Sometimes, the greatest gift we can offer an elderly person is not material assistance but our time, companionship, and inclusion.
Looking Ahead
Football has the unique power to unite nations, bridge generations, and bring hope during difficult times.
As Burundi joins the rest of the world in celebrating the FIFA World Cup 2026, let us remember those who laid the foundations of our communities—the older men and women whose wisdom and experiences continue to enrich our society.
At Burundi Elderly Home Care, we remain committed to ensuring that older persons are not left behind in any aspect of life, including moments of joy and celebration.
Because growing older should never mean growing invisible.
Football has no age limit. Joy has no age limit. Dignity has no age limit.
Burundi Elderly Home Care (BEHC)
“Safeguarding Our Elders”