The Active Ageing Programme for Older Persons took place at Musina Rugby Field lately. The event, which is better known as the golden games, was organized by Musina Municipality in partnership with the Department of Health, SAPS, Victim Empowerment and the Department of Social Development. It brought together older persons from across the Musina Municipality who participated in various sporting and recreational activities designed to encourage physical fitness, social interaction and mental well-being.
Another senior citizen who participated in the fitness activities, Maria Mahwenya (68) said it is good that government is developing and maintaining programmes for the elderly. “This makes us feel proud and loved. When we are kept busy as senior citizens, it reduces the risk of getting opportunistic diseases which mostly come due to non-activity of our bodies. Now that we are rubbing shoulders and mingling with our age group, we forget all the troubles and go back home more courageous and rejuvenated. I encourage senior citizens who are idling at home and doing nothing to come and join us in this fun.”
Musina Mayor Cllr Nkhenedzeni Godfrey Mawela applauded the senior citizens for their active participation and highlighted the importance of physical exercise in maintaining good health. He said: “As local government, we are proud to create platforms that allow our senior citizens to remain active and socially engaged. Exercising is good for their health, and we want to ensure that they have the support and resources needed to continue participating in such programmes. We will continue to mobilise possible resources to assist in making these initiatives sustainable.”
He further encouraged participants to remain committed so that they can also be able to take part in the district, provincial and national programmes of the golden games.
Some of the jubilant senior citizens who took part in the Golden Games