Elderly man asked by govt to keep peers fit
'Olympics' for the elderly? An elderly man is hosting two aerobic sessions a week to get his peers ready for the upcoming Golden Games.
An elderly man is hosting two aerobic sessions a week to get his peers ready for the Golden Games which take place later this year. These Games are considered to be the elderly’s own version of the Olympics.
Seventy-year-old community activist, Moss Maimane, said he was asked by government to keep his fellow senior citizens fit by hosting aerobic sessions. As a result, his wife started the Toekomsrus Senior Citizens’ Health Club, which Moss has been part of for the past 10 years.
“Government asked me to help out the elderly because I have a passion for working with them. We want to encourage people to join us – not just sit at home and let their health deteriorate.”
And with the Golden Games in October in mind, Moss hosts aerobic sessions twice a week at the local hall. Mitah Sebokolodi from the PJ Maree Clinic in Toekomsrus also comes to give advice on health-related matters.
“The Golden Games only occurs once a year, when the elderly from different regions take part in various sporting codes from aerobics to football from local to provincial and national level, so this forms a good outing for them,” said Moss.
He added, “What we are trying to tell the elderly and others is that keeping fit is the way to go. It forms part of a healthy lifestyle”.
‘Oom Moss’ (as he is also referred to by community members), is also part of other community programmes such as the local senior citizens choir, and plays an integral role in working with the local Muslim clergy involved in community-based initiatives such as blanket and food donations to the aged and community.
“Since we have a mosque in our ward and township, we have a good relationship with the Mulana and other spiritual leaders, despite our different religious beliefs,” said Moss, who is a devout Catholic.
He concluded by saying, “Come and be part of the fitness club.”
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
