Elderly fight old age with exercise

Grannies from Angelo informal settlement are fighting old age with exercises that help them stay active and healthy.

Every Saturday about 30 elderly people burn calories and fight diseases, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, at a park in Lorant Road, Witfield.

Africa Pillar Home of Hope, which runs as an NPO, was established by Thandazile Ngubane in 2013.

According to Ngubane, her organisation started off as a crèche where she looked after children in the location.

“After years of operating as an ECD, I saw a need fore looking after the elderly. I would do regular door-to-door visits and clean and cook for those who are bed-ridden.

“I decided to focus on them and that’s when I started training those who were able to walk to my house. We then moved to a church opposite the garage by the taxi rank,” said Ngubane.

Ngubane said due to the increasing number of the elderly they decided to move to Witfield.

“We started with about 10 members, but through word of mouth many elderly people from Angelo, Kanana and Jerusalem informal settlements became interested to join. We now have about 30 enthusiastic members.”

The organisation doesn’t only provide physical exercises, they offer emotional support to the elderly as well.

“Since we started, I’m seeing changes in the lives of the elderly because many of them couldn’t walk long distances, but now they can. They used to be stressed, but now they are stress free.

“Some are now beginning to talk about their struggles at home, and we then see how we can assist,” Ngubane said.

Dress-up race, passing the ball and ring the stick are some of the activities the elderly participate in.

The elderly group has participated in sport tournaments for the elderly in Germiston and Vosloorus.

Ngubane said through the help of New Beginnings Care Centre, they are able to feed the elderly before they begin with their exercises, but due to the increasing number it’s now not enough.

Some of the challenges the organisation faces is not having property of their own to run their programmes from.

“The park that we are using is not really safe, but we’ve asked the police to patrol the area every Saturday for safety. We need reflective gear, tracksuits and takkies.

“We need bottled water for the elderly when they are busy training so that they can stay hydrated. We also need transport to and from the park,” Ngubane said.

One of the members, Joyce Potsane (66), said she used to have pains in her legs and back, but since she started gyming she doesn’t have pains anymore.

Another member, Sylvia Maja, said: “My blood pressure was high because I was always stressed, but after starting exercising it has decreased.”

Dambile Dyalom (63), whose been dubbed the star of the group due to him winning various elderly competitions, said he enjoyed every moment spent with his fellow team members.

Elderly people from surrounding areas are invited to join the organisation. They meet on Saturdays from 9am to 11am.

To donate food, clothes or anything towards the sustainability of the elderly group contact Ngubane on 066 100 7127 or 063 801 8986.