U3A Joburg North seniors travel through time during musical
The Street Cafe duo took members on a 60-minute global tour to wrap up their monthly gatherings for the year. Braden-Lee Mokoena
Senior citizens from the Johannesburg North University of the Third Age (U3A) gathered to close their series of monthly meetings at the North Riding Methodist Church today.
The 16-year branch group closed off their year until their next cycle of meetings beginning in February 2027.
U3A secretary Beryl Sparks shared that the group hosts monthly meetings, speeches and excursions which serve as educational initiatives and provide spaces where seniors can have something to look forward to, gain friendship and have fun. “Seniors are often very lonely and it takes a lot of courage for some of them to admit that and come.
Read more: Philippe Menache at U3A.
It gives them friendship. I still have my husband, so I don’t fully understand the true feeling of loneliness, but I remember when I retired, I missed work so much. It was actually a psychological shock, and while it’s good and well having hobbies, you don’t want to do them alone,” Sparks said.
She further shared that the group’s meetings encourage seniors to leave their houses, socialise, meet new people and learn new things through their various speeches from different speakers.
Under the theme: Around the World in 80 Days, inspired by the classic movie, live performances by Street Cafe transported seniors to various countries in 60 minutes. The duo, along with guest singer Alna, took seniors to France, Ireland, Germany and back to South Africa.
Also read: U3A to talk about dementia at Northwold event
Band member and singer Ivan Livingstone shared what he witnessed during the performance. “When they hear a familiar song, they start to mouth the song, shimmy and even clap. Giving them that nostalgic feeling with classic songs was just beautiful. I encourage all the seniors to keep joy in their heart, keep the songs alive and don’t forget that music is the language of the soul and mind and it supersedes all mental prejudices,” Livingstone said.
After travelling to various countries, the band ended with a beautiful opera solo that captivated the seniors’ hearts and ears and Christmas carols wishing them a lovely festive season. The event ended with seniors mingling over coffee and cake as they reflected on the year.
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