A ‘Kuguga o Thandayo; 60 plus’ health lifestyle programme recently encouraged elderly community members in Soshanguve to prioritise their health and well-being while embracing active and healthy lifestyles.

The event was hosted by the Tshwane District Health Services Rehabilitation Team, in partnership with stakeholders from Sub-District 1 at the Block XX Community Hall.

Residents aged 60 and above participated in a day of educational and interactive activities focused on improving their quality of life through healthier living habits.

During the sessions, participants received valuable information on the importance of maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and attending routine health check-ups as essential elements of healthy ageing.

The initiative also highlighted the importance of dignity, wellness and healthy ageing among older residents, while creating a supportive environment where senior citizens could interact and learn from healthcare professionals.

Katego Mofokeng, a physiotherapist from Tshwane District Health Services based in Sub-District 1, said healthy living goes beyond physical well-being and includes mental and social health.

“Healthy living extends beyond physical well-being to encompass mental and social health, stressing that sustainable health is fostered through consistent daily habits that support the mind, body and relationships,” said Mofokeng.

Mofokeng further explained that the main objective of the programme was to encourage elderly residents to adopt practical and healthy lifestyles that would positively impact their daily lives.

“The primary objective is to encourage the community to adopt practical, healthy lifestyles daily and respond positively to health interventions.”

Participants also took part in exercise activities designed specifically for older adults to encourage mobility and physical fitness.

The sessions aimed to demonstrate the importance of movement and regular exercise in reducing age-related health complications.

One of the attendees, 67-year-old Evelyn Khutoane, said the programme had positively changed her lifestyle and overall well-being.

“Since joining the exercise group, I’ve learned the importance of moving my body. I am more active and experience less age-related pain,” said Khutoane.

Mofokeng said the wellness initiative forms part of the department’s ongoing efforts to align local health promotion programmes with global health campaigns supported by the World Health Organization.

She added that the programme continues to promote healthy lifestyles, raise awareness around healthy ageing, and empower senior citizens to take better care of their physical, mental and social well-being.

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