Elderly celebrate in shades of turquoise

Elderly people from Polokwane and outlying towns gathered at Bolivia Estate on Thursday to create awareness of the annual Go Turquoise campaign.
Go Turquoise is an awareness campaign that started on 15 May, International Day of Families and will end on 15 June, World Elderly Abuse Awareness Day.
Speaking on behalf of the campaign, Piet van Waveren explained that the movement’s purpose was twofold, one being to create awareness about the elderly in our communities, especially those not accommodated by institutions for the elderly, making them more at risk. The other purpose was to give organisations, homes for the aged, congregations and others an opportunity to generate funds for the support of the elderly.
“Old age happens to us all. The elderly have much wisdom, experience and knowledge, which only comes with old age. When a granny dies, it is like a whole library has burnt down,” Van Waveren said when explaining the value of the elderly in our communities.
He encouraged people to be aware of the plight of the elderly who need care and love. “Showing that you care should become a lifestyle,” he added.
The oldest person present, Marie van Oudtshoorn (89) received a gift sponsored by Firefly Foods and this was followed by some entertainment in the form of a traditional dance by Kwelano Bohloko Old Age Home residents, with several guests joining in.
A presentation by Malatso Molepa from the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) in Polokwane on how Sassa pensions work and the procedures to follow to claim were next on the programme and several pensioners had the opportunity to ask questions thereafter.
Guests were then able to tuck into a delicious high tea as they socialised.
Van Waveren thanked Bolivia Estate and everyone else who made a contribution towards making the day such a success.

Story and photos: KAREN VENTER
>>karen@observer.co.za