Elderly keep fit with fitness programme
Event helps the elderly get fit and de-stress.
More than 200 elderly people from around Kathorus gathered at Vosloorus Stadium to partake in physical activities organised by Rethabeleng Elderly Health Organisation (REHO) recently.
Thamsanqa Mbokoti, the chairperson of the organisation, said the main purpose of the day was to help elderly people to de-stress.
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“When our elders reach the pension stage, they are supposed to use their pension money to buy what they like.
“Instead, we let them use their money to support our unplanned children.
“On top of that, they also take a lot of insult from disrespectful grandchildren.
“Others are beaten by their grandchildren while others are chased away from their own houses or accused of witchcraft.
“As a result, they end up suffering from stress-related illnesses because of our actions.
“We, as the organisation, open a platform for them to socialise where they talk about all the things that affect them,” said Mbokoti.
“Today, we had to do something special, like aerobics and games for elderly people, so they could de-stress.
“To make the idea a success, we worked hand-in-hand with organisations that work with the elderly in Kathorus as a whole. What I liked the most is that elderly people came in their numbers.”
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He thanked organisation like the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (SRAC) and Evergreen Fitness Club (EFC) for partnering with REHO in making the day a success.
Thandi Gwanya, a fitness trainer from EFC, said: “It was good to partner with REHO to do something good for the community. We do this every Wednesday at the social service centre but this was the first time we had such a large turnout.”
One of the excited elders, Jane Katisi, said it was an exciting experience to partake in this good cause by REHO.
“I am happy. My mind feels very relaxed. I now feel that the stress is gone.”
Elders were given medals for participating to motivate them.
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