As part of celebrating the International Day of Older Persons, the Gauteng Department of Social Development’s Tembisa office hosted an event aimed at recognising the senior citizens’ contributions and raising awareness about ageing issues.
The event was held at the Mehlareng Stadium on Friday last week.
The International Day of Older Persons, which was themed “Take a Stand Against Ageing”, is observed annually.
The day commenced with a five kilometre fun walk and aerobics for senior citizens, who are 60 years and older.
More than 150 older people took part in the activities.
The Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Nandi Mayathula-Khoza said, “Older persons are still largely fulfilling a supportive function to families as care givers to orphaned grandchildren, sometimes without financial support.
“In the process of being second and third time parents, they compromise their own needs for the sake of vulnerable family members in need.”
One of the participants, Geshon Molebatsi (69) said, “We are grateful to the department for looking after us in so many ways. Social Development always organises activities to keep us busy and healthy. I had heart problems previously but since I became part of the active ageing team five years ago, my condition has improved. I was also diagnosed with asthma and I was given a spray, but since I started to exercise, my health has improved drastically.”
Ms Molebatsi said social development should continue with these initiatives, as they encourage pensioners to live a healthy lifestyle.
“Through exercise we fight different diseases such as diabetes, cholesterol and high blood pressure. I would like to encourage younger generations to exercise and avoid the excessive use of alcohol. They should also eat healthy food and respect their elders,” said Ms Molebatsi.
