Tafta inspires active aging to their residents

THE Association for the Aged (Tafta) will hold a trail run through Virginia Bush Nature Reserve on Sunday, 19 November.

Corporates can register to take part at the Trail Run at 5 per cent discount for a team of 20 people and more. They can also sponsor one of the Trail Run packages or winners’ prizes.

The organisation recently had a week-long programme of events in Durban to honour the United Nations’ International Day of Older Persons that was celebrated on the Sunday, 1 October.
Some of the highlights included a variety concerts, sports event and Spring Ball, which was described as “the best moments” for the elders in Tafta’s care. The week-long line-up also included picnics, tea and pamper parties and other outings.

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Tafta CEO Femada Shamam said the event was important to their organisation as it made the senior citizens feel important.

“This annual event honours and celebrates elders throughout the world and, considering its significance, we have put together a programme of activities to allow our residents to feel revered and recognised for their contributions to the community,” said Shamam.

Tafta residents may be older but they are not hanging about and waiting to die. One of them is 82-year-old Hester Bekker, who has completed more than one hundred race events, including the ultimate human race – the Comrades Marathon at age 65.

“I love being active. This is what keeps me happy and alert. The more I run and walk, the more I love my body. Not because it’s perfect, actually far from it, but because with every mile, it’s proving to me, that I am capable of more than I ever thought possible,” said Bekker.

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Bekker recalls joining a sports and athletics club where she found great joy in road running. She then participated in several races and was placed among the top three competitors.

“The Comrades Marathon was a huge challenge for me but I managed to finish the race and achieve my biggest goal. I am humbled by the many young people who tell me that I have been an inspiration to them and hope to follow in my footsteps at my age,” she added.

Shamam applauded Bekker’s efforts saying she was a fantastic role model who epitomised Tafta’s philosophy to inspire active ageing.

For more information, contact Tafta at info@tafta.org.za or enter online at www.roag.co.za

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