Gogo’s keep the doctor away by exercising regularly
ALEXANDRA - By being a member of the Rethabile Gogos' Senior Citizens Club, Alex grannies (gogos) in their 60s vow to keep the doctor away through regular exercise.
This is a commitment of 50 gogos of Rethabile Gogos’, Happy Grannies, Senior Citizens Club who, without fail, exercise four days a week at the Altrec Sports Complex and one day a week at Kwa-Bhekilanga Secondary School.
One of its founders, Rose Pilane (68), said after its inception in 2010, the group floundered without much focus, but following strategic discussions in 2012, and giving themselves the name, Rethabile, they have became stronger with a committed membership and they dare anyone wanting to challenge their health status.
“We do all sorts of physical exercises and sports and dance to music to keep fit. We also do [it] for stimulation, to fend off boredom, misery and all sorts of ailments such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure associated with sedentary lives,” said Pilane.
Her colleague, Fundiswa Mgoqi (71), said the club promoted health and wellness for Alex’s senior citizens, and took them out of the confinement in their homes. “We are a platform to unite and help them share solutions to some of their physical, household and community challenges,” she said. Pilane and Mgoqi said the club also welcomes grandfathers.
Club members also immerse themselves in different activities such as beadwork and sewing, which they conduct in between exercises. The group is determined to make an imprint on society. They participated in the recent Golden Age Games competition in Eldorado Park where one of their members won the 400 metre race. Also, they took part in the World Congress for Active Aging attended by 32 countries in Sandton earlier this year.
The group wants to set up a daycare centre to provide local children with nutritious meals and as a base for their two instructors. Their challenge is government’s delay in approving their non-profit organisation application lodged in 2012. “Without the certificate, we can’t raise funds and [have to] rely on our pockets,” said Mgoqi.
Their warning to criminals is, “Beware not to tackle an Alex gogo, as you might regret when you are confronted by a physically-fit opposition.”
Details: Stella Maphoto 082 298 0247.
