Zimpapers Reporter
OVER 150 elderly persons from Gweru, Kwekwe and Shurugwi Districts gathered at the MASO Centre in Mkoba on October 1, 2026, to commemorate the International Day of Older Persons.
The gathering transformed into a life-changing experience through access to free health services, counselling and psychosocial support.
Organised by the Multi-Aid Support Organisation (MASO) in partnership with HelpAge Zimbabwe, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, the City of Gweru, First Mutual Services, Friendship Bench, National Aids Council and Midlands Diabetes Interest Group, the colourful event brought together elderly men and women, health professionals, partners and community members in celebration of the invaluable role older persons continue to play in families and communities.
It ran under the global theme: “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives”, highlighting the need for greater investment in health care, social protection and dignity for ageing populations.
The theme emphasises that longer lives should be viewed as an achievement and that systems must adapt to support the well-being of older persons.
From the early hours of the morning, elderly participants arrived at the MASO Centre seeking services that are often difficult to access due to financial constraints, mobility challenges and the high cost of specialised care.
The partners in the health care sector provided a range of free health services, including eye screening, blood pressure monitoring, diabetes testing, dental screening, dementia screening and mental health counselling.
For many elderly people at the event, it was the first time in years they had received comprehensive health checks.
One of the most celebrated moments of the day was the distribution of free prescription spectacles to older persons diagnosed with visual impairment. Smiles and expressions of relief filled the venue as recipients put on their new glasses and experienced improved vision.
“I’m happy I got my eyes checked and was given these spectacles for free. I’m now seeing clearly and can now read my Bible again and see the faces of my grandchildren,” said one grateful grandmother from Mkoba after receiving her spectacles.
Health practitioners noted that many of the elderly screened were living with unmanaged chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, often because they lacked resources to attend regular medical appointments.
Early detection through the screening exercise enabled several participants to receive referrals for further treatment and medical follow-up.
Mental health counselling sessions proved equally important. Counsellors engaged older persons who shared experiences of loneliness, grief, care giving burdens and economic hardship. Many elderly people continue to shoulder the responsibility of raising grandchildren while coping with their own health challenges.
Speaking during the event, MASO board chairperson Mr Willie Mponda acknowledged that older persons remain the backbone of many households. He described them as custodians of wisdom, peace-builders, caregivers and living repositories of history and culture.
The day served as a reminder that older persons deserve continued respect, support and recognition for their contributions to society.
For many vulnerable elderly people from Gweru, Kwekwe and Shurugwi, the event offered more than medical services. It provided an opportunity to interact with peers, share experiences and feel valued by the wider community.
Participants expressed appreciation to MASO and its partners for creating a platform that addressed both their physical and emotional well-being. Several indicated that the health checks had alerted them to conditions they were previously unaware of, while others said the counselling sessions helped them overcome feelings of isolation and anxiety.
MASO national executive director, Ms Tadiwa Kaisa reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to promoting the dignity, health and welfare of older persons through routine mobile health outreaches to improve access to essential services for the elderly. As the commemorations drew to a close, the message was clear: “Older persons are not a burden to society but a source of wisdom, guidance and care.” Through initiatives such as the International Day of Older Persons celebrations, vulnerable elderly citizens are receiving the recognition, healthcare and support they deserve.
For the grandmothers and grandfathers who left the MASO Centre with improved vision, renewed hope and a stronger sense of belonging, the day was not merely a celebration. It was a reminder that their lives, experiences and contributions continue to matter.
