Pensioners picnic at the beach in National Week of Older Persons
The association hoped to dispel some of the myths and stigmas of diminished mental capacity often associated with the ageing process.
Amanzimtoti oldies were treated to a picnic at the beach by The Association for the Aged (Tafta) to honour International Day of Older Persons (UNIDOP) on Monday, 1 October.
Tafta, which annually commemorates the UNIDOP day of observation with a week of commemorative activities, used this year’s theme of ‘Celebrating Older Human Rights Champions’ to showcase some of Tafta elders’ wisdoms and human rights experiences.
“What better way to celebrate this day than by sharing the years of knowledge, experience and wisdom retained by this generation?” said Tafta CEO, Femada Shamam.
She added that by doing so, the association hoped to dispel some of the myths and stigmas of diminished mental capacity often associated with the ageing process. “As the UN declaration around ageing rightfully states; the process of ageing should not compromise an older person’s fundamental human rights and inherent dignity, which is why we dedicate our efforts to ensuring that the National Week of Older Persons is commemorated with a range of activities to reaffirm our own commitment to promoting the human rights of all older persons,” she said.
Events included in the Week of the Older Persons commemorative calendar this year included the picnic for all Tafta elders at Amanzimtoti Main Beach, an elders’ sports day at Hartley Road Primary School on Wednesday, 3 October and an Italian-themed social planned for the Anna Conradie Wellness Centre at Tafta Lodge on Thursday, 4 October.
Also included in the week’s line-up are tea and pamper parties, visits to restaurants, Ushaka Marine World and other outings sponsored by some of the associations long standing benefactors.
We asked some of the pensioners what’s the best thing about getting older?
