Helping seniors keep fit
Tsakane – The elderly of Tsakane start their days on a positive note each week, as they get into gear to ensure they keep fit through exercise.
The aerobics classes are conducted for them by the Blessings Social Development Centre in Tsakane on Monday mornings.
During the classes one can see that these elderly people really enjoy participating in the different exercises routines which, they say, are always interesting and something they always look forward too.
“It is boring just sitting at home, so we would rather come here, as this helps us to control our diseases,” says 66-year-old Grace Musa.
“I only started with the exercising last year, in September, and since then I have seen a lot of improvement in my health.
“This place really helps me to relax and be flexible.”
Meshack Mgidi (74) says he heard about the centre from other people, so he, too, started attending the gym sessions.
“I feel so happy and fit nowadays that I don’t regret coming here,” he says.
“I actually always look forward to it, as I feel a difference when I exercise.”
Ester Sikhosana, who is 62, started exercising a few months ago, as she didn’t want to stay at home doing nothing.
“Just being here makes me feel happy, because, through these aerobics classes, I have become more active and have nothing to stress about,” she says.
Due to the fact that the elderly don’t always attend the classes, instructor Didimalang Ngwenya says they invite some of their younger beneficiaries to join in and exercise too.
She explains that it is important for everyone to live a healthy lifestyle and to exercise, as there are a lot of diseases out there.
“Exercising should go hand-in-hand with your medication, to get you into a healthier state.
“You don’t even need to join a gym or facility, as you can just do this from your own home.
“Also, try to eat healthier, as this will improve your quality of life,” she says.
