Alexandra’s elderly residents marked the end of healthy lifestyle month with a 5km fun walk and a day of practical lessons on wellness at River Park Clinic.
For many of the residents, the health event was not just an ordinary initiative, but an eye–opener. Alexandra resident Lena Moketla said the walk eased her body in ways she had not expected. “I feel good about today’s 5km walk. It stretched my body. I used to feel pains, but they are all gone. I am overly excited.”

Read more: River Park Clinic empowers community through healthy lifestyle event

She added that receiving vegetables and food parcels at the clinic was another highlight: “Had I not come, I would not have got them.”

For others, like Maria Molaane, the walk was a test of determination. “It was easy when we began, but when we started to walk on an incline, that is when it became tough. They tried to get me into a car but I refused. I told them that I came for a walk and will walk to the finish line.”

She said her takeaway from the event was that exercise and healthy eating must become daily habits. She urged fellow seniors to forget about the usual comfort of the couch and television, and exercise every day.

Also read: Health and wellness MEC brings patient voices to the forefront at Alexandra clinic

The event was organised by the City of Johannesburg’s Region E health and social development department, and drew a strong turnout of senior residents. Velisha Thompson, from the department, said the aim was to empower both senior citizens and youth. “Healthy lifestyle does not mean going to fancy gyms. It actually means that you can do simple things like taking a walk and doing aerobics, which we have done today.”

Thompson also shared practical nutrition advice, encouraging residents to grow their own vegetables and choose affordable proteins, such as beans, lentils, and canned fish. Mental health was not overlooked, as she urged residents to manage stress through meditation, yoga, or by seeking support at local clinics, also reminding them of the importance of good sleep.

Community organisations in attendance also expressed their enthusiasm. Maureen Maubane, founder of the Tlhaka La Ntswika Project, said events like this shift attitudes among the elderly. “We came here to River Park to celebrate healthy lifestyle awareness month. We are really excited.” She noted that participants appreciated both the exercise and the food parcels.

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates!