Chronicle Editor
Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Reporter
LONELINESS, inheritance and wellness matters are some of the major issues affecting the elderly in communities.
Due to their advanced age, they do not find people to confide in on issues that affect them.
However, this is changing for some elderly people who have joined a social networking group Club 50 Plus, an organisation that was established by an Australia-based Zimbabwean couple Mr Butholezwe Moyo and his wife, Joy, after observing the challenges faced by the elderly.
It targets those who are 50 years and above and connects them via the WhatsApp social media platform.
The club has identified eminent people in Bulawayo such as veteran broadcaster Ms Nonceba Mkandla, historian Pathisa Nyathi, veteran football administrator Ndumiso Gumede and farmer Mr Sihlangu Dlodlo as coordinators.
Last Wednesday, the club hosted a luncheon in Bulawayo which was attended by several pensioners so they can socialise.
Ms Mkandla, who is the club’s coordinator for social events, said Club 50 Plus is attending to the problems affecting the elderly.
“This is a club for all adults who are 50 years and over. It is helping a lot of elderly considering that some of them are now neglected and lonely at home. It keeps them busy while being educational at the same time. It is assisting a lot of people to address inheritance matters which are common among the elderly.
The elderly can join the group via a WhatsApp link and participate in programmes offered by the club. We have lawyers in the group who can tackle issues that affect the elderly. The club has several activities which are also good for the health and wellness of the elderly,” said Ms Mkandla.
She commended the founders of the group saying it was important to take care of the elderly especially at a time when most organisations were focusing on the youth.
The pensioners praised the club for responding to some of their needs.
Mr Bornface Ndimande from Worringham Plots in Bulawayo said he has interest in farming and the club provides learning opportunities for those with interest in the sector.
“I joined Club 50 Plus and it makes us connect with other people of the same age group. I was skeptical about joining the club considering that it is joined via WhatsApp. But after joining it I’ve discovered that it is addressing a lot of the things that we face as elderly people. There are programmes to equip those with interest in farming, so I’m learning a lot through the group. The group keeps your mind occupied so being lonely is now a thing of the past,” said Mr Ndimande.
Mr Chariot Mabhena (65) from Matshetsheni in Gwanda said he was invited by his wife to join the group and does not regret making the decision.
Mr Mabhena said although he now lives in his rural area, he also tries to make time to be part of the physical programmes organised for the elderly.
He said the group keeps his mind busy considering that most people of his age are no longer active and hardly socialise outside their traditional circles.
Another pensioner, Ms Norah Khumalo (65) from Cowdray Park said the group was important to her as it deals with their health matters which affect a lot of elderly people.
“This is a good platform as it keeps you smiling all the time by addressing a lot of things that we encounter as the elderly. There is a lot of learning through the group. Sometimes, there is a doctor who participates in the platform and we conduct online consultations which is good for us. I think since I joined the group, I’ve become happier as I interact with a lot of people of my age, some of whom I have never met and we become close through the discussions on the group.
“There is nothing that you pay to join the group, what you need is just to have a phone with WhatsApp,” said Ms Khumalo.
Responding to questions from his Australian base, Mr Moyo said the club seeks to promote physical, mental and emotional health of the elderly.
Mr Moyo said the elderly who join the group will be encouraged to be part of reading clubs, get involved in organised trips, farming ventures among other things to keep them busy.
“Club 50 Plus is a wellness centre; older people also need an outlet and hence we have organised various professionals who will explore issues that older people experience. It will also tackle several topics such as legal to health issues. They will also participate in therapeutic massage sessions and seated cardio exercise programmes,” said Mr Moyo.
He said while it is important to look after young people, the elderly also need to be catered for as most of them no longer live with their children and in some instances, they are taking care of orphaned grandchildren. –@nqotshili
Online Reporter