GALLERY: Seniors On The Go talk safety
Discussion topics included neighbourhood safety tips and the importance of connecting with other people.
THE Seniors On The Go social group had another bi-monthly meeting on February 19 at Golden Falls Spur.
Discussion topics included neighbourhood safety tips and the importance of connecting with other people.
The restaurant was packed with group members, old and new. The air was abuzz with conversation while everyone received something to drink, before the event coordinator, Michelle Pelser, welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Guest speakers included Michelle herself, Martin Gouws from Impact Foundation and Const Elizabeth Mnguni from Mondeor SAPS Social Crime Prevention. Michelle and Elizabeth discussed crucial everyday safety tips and Martin talked about loneliness versus human connection.
Michelle talked first.
“The reason we have these meetings is not only to socialise and make friends, but also to share information, knowledge and awareness,” she said. “Today I want to talk about the prevalence of crime in all areas around us, and how to be aware and cautious of it.”
Michelle touched on many notions of popular crimes and what one can do to prevent it as far as possible:
• When selling a house, the property becomes a target for criminals as soon as there’s a “for sale” sign visible. As any person now has a valid reason to enter the property, the owner makes him or herself a potential victim by allowing them in.
• Do not give food or money to people who beg outside your house, or rummage through your dustbins. This encourages them to keep coming back and after some time, they might start monitoring your house and activities going on around it. Keep an eye out and don’t be afraid to chase them away if they seem suspicious.
• Elderly people should especially be vigilant, as they are often the biggest targets for criminals.
• Be careful who you hire to work on and inside your property – be 100 per cent sure they can be trusted.
• In case of an emergency where a quick reaction is needed, keep numbers on speed dial, specifically the numbers of reliable people who will always pick up the phone when you call. Good examples of speed dial numbers are those of your children or long-time neighbours.
• After locking your car with its remote, check all the doors first before you walk off, to make sure it really is locked. This will give you 100 per cent peace of mind that no one can break into your car.
Michelle handed the mic over to Martin next. He gave a brief speech about loneliness versus connecting with other people.
“Loneliness is not an uncontrollable feeling, it is a choice,” he said. “You can choose whether you want to feel lonely or not because loneliness is only a state of mind.
“The opposite of loneliness is human connection. Connection is associated with happiness and contentment, no matter what kind of person you are. Don’t be afraid to connect with other people, because if you do, you’ll find out that you’re never lonely. No matter what your culture or personality type is, we all need some kind of human connection to be truly happy.”
In addition, Elizabeth told everyone present she will always be there in case anyone needs her help. No matter what kind of help it may be, she will do whatever she can to assist, any time of the day (her number is 084 270 0191).
The next Seniors On The Go meeting will take place on April 16 at Golden Falls Spur (Columbine Square, 82 Swartgoud Street, Suideroord) at 9am promptly. Please phone Michelle on 084 292 9144 to book your place.
GALLERY:
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