With the assistance of the Edenvale Senior Citizens Association, the elderly have the opportunity to kickstart their social life.
The association, which has been operating for the past 22 years, offers a social life and healthy lifestyle to the elderly of Edenvale.
Currently the association has 195 members.
“The association gives the elderly the opportunity to get out of their homes, to have a social life and to engage with people of the their own age,” said Ms Lenie van Heerden.
According to Ms Van Heerden, the Edenvale Senior Citizens Association is the only initiative in the area which provides this opportunity to the elderly.
She said without these initiatives the elderly sit at home and deteriorate.
To be part of this association, members must pay R135 a year.
For additional monthly fees, senior citizens can also take part in additional activities such as yoga, art classes and knitting.
When there are special occasions such as Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day or Easter, the association hosts additional lunches and events.
Over the years financial support to the association has decreased.
Ms Van Heerden said the association receives very little financial support compared to what it used to.
Although she has only been part of the initiative for three years, Ms Van Heerden strongly believes that the association fulfils a role for the elderly in Edenvale.
“The elderly mix so well with each other and there is always a good mood at the community centre,” she said.
For more information, contact Ms Van Heerden on 011 453-7608.