By Staff Reporter
news@alexreporter.co.za
After a two-year break as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic and the national lockdown, the much-anticipated first day of the Active Ageing Programme commenced with dialogues wherein older persons spoke about issues affecting them. The much-awaited event took place at Birchwood Hotel, Boksburg, 05 December 2022.
Clad in bright and beautiful traditional attires, older persons from the length and breadth of the country, were beaming with joy as they interacted with their peers and showcased their different traditional dances despite the heavy rains in the area.
Guided by the Older Persons Act (Act 13 of 2006) and the Madrid Plan of Action on ageing, the Department of Social Development, in partnership with the Departments of Health, Sports and Recreation and the South African Older Persons Forum introduced the Active Ageing Programme to transform the ageing experience and empower senior citizens to stay active and engaged so that they can continue to enjoy healthy and purposeful lives.
Not to be left behind by the digital winds of change, older persons came equipped with their smart phones too to record and send their photographs to families back at home. “Siyarholathina!” (We get the grant), Helen Nkadimeng (65), reminded everyone who asked how she could afford a Smartphone. She said she used her phone to keep in touch with her friends and loved ones on Facebook and WhatsApp.
Not to be outdone too, Nomvula Leotlela (65), from the Free State said she was not only on Facebook but Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. “I cannot be bored when there is a whole world to interact with,” she said.
On the first day, older persons also were given knowledge and information on Alzheimer’s disease which mostly affects the elderly.
According to the National Institute on Ageing, Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory, thinking skills and eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest of tasks.
The disease is unfortunately incurable, but the quality of life can be improved with the right information. Some of its symptoms include, amongst others; loss of memory, mental decline, difficulty in thinking and understanding, confusion in the evening hours, delusion, disorientation, making things up, mental confusion, difficulty concentrating, confusion with time or place and trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships.
Lorraine Sepeng from Alzheimer’s South Africa informed older persons that Alzheimer is a brain disease and “if you have a brain disease, or any disease, you have limitations on your body. For example, you cannot function at full capacity,” she said.
To reduce severity of dementia, older persons were advised to refrain from spending much time alone, and join Older Persons Clubs, exercise, eat healthy food and participate in different societal activities in their respective communities.
Keeping the mind active by engaging with other people in simple tasks such as socialising and having conversations with people is also important.
Alzheimer’s South Africa further emphasised on the effects of the disease on family members of the elderly.
Older persons were encouraged to use the Alzheimer’s Helpline, 0860 102 681, to get professional help.
They were encouraged to spread the dementia message and become ambassadors who share information with their communities. “This would help to minimise instances where people who suffer from Alzheimer’s are accused of witchcraft,” shared Sepeng.
Expressing her concern about Alzheimer’s, Sarah Molobi, from Bojanala District, in Rustenburg, North West Province, said she was pained by the many older persons who were killed after they were wrongfully accused of witchcraft.
“Personally, I think the youth must respect older persons because they play an important role in taking care of the grandchildren. There is also a lot of cultural values young persons can learn from us as older persons,” said Molobi.
Another 64-year-old, Mr Solomon Nhlapo, from Delmas in Mpumalanga, who has a disability said he was very happy and encouraged to learn about maintaining an active and productive lifestyle as an elder. He also said that economic inclusion of elders was very important for him because, he says, older persons are often excluded from mainstream economic activities once they reach an age of maturity, yet they have so much to contribute.
He further added that there were many older persons who retired with a wealth of knowledge and experience that can be shared with the young and upcoming generation who find themselves unemployed and roaming the streets without any productive work to do.
Chief Director for Professional Support and Older Persons for the National Department of Social Development, Ms Civil Legodu, says South Africa must remember that the rights of older persons rights are human rights too.
She further warned that South Africa, similarly to other countries across the globe, is experiencing a heightening number of older persons. “This demands preparedness to respond to the needs of older persons as well as collaborative planning and resourcing for the integrated provision of services to them,” she said.
The active ageing programme continues tomorrow with start of the golden games scheduled as follows:
