"The past seven months have been a period of loss, fear and distress and we hope to move forward into the rest of this year with a sentiment of hope and gratitude. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected older persons across the globe and locally", said Gauteng Older persons Forum Chairperson, Isaac Mamatela.
Mamatela encouraged citizens to find various ways to assist and protect the older persons since they need more support and protection now than ever. The country continues to battle the spread of the virus, this is an unprecedented period in the world's history.
"Our senior citizens are the pillars of our communities. It is important to acknowledge our senior citizens and the contribution that they're making to our society. It is important that we care for our elderly and ensure that they remain safe and well looked after during these tough times of the Covid-19 pandemic" he added.
The 75 - year-old from Boipatong who is also the Chairperson of Sedibeng Older Persons Forum said the on-going coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak was ravaging the world causing the loss of lives and livelihood. 
The pandemic was dangerous for older persons and has a disproportionately negative impact on their socio-economic rights. He added that the virus had profoundly disturbed the active ageing activities and programmes.
"As we rightfully commemorate both older persons and active ageing week in the month of October, we should all of us contribute towards protecting, caring and uplifting the lives of elderly people, especially during the pandemic. We urge all south Africans, young and old, to do something distinctive for our senior citizens in recognition of their contribution to society and encourage them to stay safe".
"Due to Covid-19 and the prohibition of social gatherings, this year posed several challenges in creating awareness and therefore enabling older persons to stand up against abuse"
"With this year redefining the way we commemorate the contribution made by older people because of social distancing measures imposed by the coronavirus pandemic, we will not host any activity or inter-home events, but rather focus on embracing the theme through its objectives of raising awareness of the special health needs of elders and the significance of a decade of healthy ageing"
Mamatela said indeed older persons are the glue that holds families together, often look after children when young parents either work or study. Some still have a significant contribution to the economic development in their communities, while others still volunteering their time and expertise to organisations that operates within their community to the benefits of a greater number of people.
"We have to ensure the well-being of the older persons, as part of our commitment to best serve and protect our senior citizens. They need more support than ever in this situation, and measures taken to cope with the pandemic must take special account of their needs" added.