Passionate older persons from the Sizanani Old Age Home in Kwa-Thema, Ekurhuleni have demonstrated that being physically fit and leading a healthy lifestyle is very possible.
They said taking part in the National Golden Games that were held in the Eastern Cape Province last month was a lifetime experience.
Speaking to Weekly Bulletin during the celebration of International Day for Older Persons at Zanele Mbeki Frail Care Centre in Dunnottar on Friday, 69-year-old Ellen Ndhlela who participated in Passing the Ball said they had a very pleasant journey.
"I want to say, on behalf of all senior citizens in the province, we thank the Gauteng Department of Social Development for allowing us an opportunity to partake in the National Golden Games," said Ndhlela.
She added that for most of them, it was a first-time experience being in a plane, and are very grateful for that opportunity.
Petros Mpuma (71) said it was not an easy task from participating in local games to regional, and then provincial.
"We performed very well without fail and scooped second position at the nationals in Passing the Ball and Duck Walk category. I am also grateful to the department as well as the Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation. Indeed, we have been integrated socially as elderly people and we are very thankful for that," said Mpuma.
Happy Molokeloa (71) has encouraged fellow senior citizens to utilize the gym equipment that has been brought to them by the department.
"Abo gogo nabo mkhulu mabasukume, bangahlali phansi," said Molokeloa articulating that older persons should not just sit down and do nothing, as they are regarded as key role players in the society and government has not neglected them.