​By Aobakwe Selebogo
 
Getting older does not have to mean resigning to an inactive lifestyle. Just ask Sagoonla Ramsammy who recently completed the second annual Elderly Walk in Ladium stadium alongside the Gauteng MEC for Health and wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko.
Ramsammy says she has always had a fairly active lifestyle and has enjoyed cycling and track running since her early high school years.
"I was quite sporty in high school, I did all types of sporting activities you can think of, but I was particularly in love with running.  I was a relay runner and did hundred to four hundred meter sprints. 
"Like most youngster after high school I significantly reduced my sporting activities, I started eating processed foods and unsaturated fats until old age and my poor health choices gifted me with a knee problem and high blood pressure. I have undergone a knee replacement and now have to take hypertension medication. Probably these are things that could have been avoided had I maintained a healthy lifestyle," accounts Ramsammy. 
The 78-year-old  woman says she is now determined to do everything she can to stay healthy and reverse some of the negative effects that come with old age and not taking proper care of one's overall health earlier on in life.
"After I was diagnosed with high blood pressure, I took up a regular walking schedule, starting a little at a time and I joined the Laudium Rehabilitation clinic health club and that was the best decision I took for myself, my blood pressure is now under control, my knees no longer hurt. I can dance and I feel younger and healthier. I am grateful to the department for making such programmes available to us and my advice for any elderly citizens wishing to start the journey to a healthier life is to join health clubs in their communities," advices Ramsammy.
According to the Gauteng Older Persons Rights Strategy 2020 – 2025 elderly citizens are often neglected and do not receive the care and services that they require. In order to combat this, the Rehabilitation Team of Laudium CHC hosts a Senior Citizen Group every Thursday with the senior citizens of Laudium and Olievenhoutbosch focusing on health talks, screening services and as well as promoting healthy and active aging by encoring the members to exercise in various ways.
MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko emphasised that a healthy diet and regular exercise are key to preventing and managing diseases.
"We cannot stress enough the power of simple, everyday choices, fruit, vegetables, water and regular exercise can change your life. This is especially true for our senior citizens. By embracing these habits you are setting a powerful example  for the younger generation.
"A healthy lifestyle, combined with regular checkups, can significantly improve the quality of life for our elderly. I am proud that that the department of health has prioritised the needs of our elderly citizens working with sister departments like Social Development and Sport. We will continue to work tirelessly to support senior citizens," assured Nkomo- Ralehoko.