That’s what Cllr Ronald Harris, the Member of the Mayoral Committee for the Community Development in the City of Johannesburg, said as he signaled the start of the Active Ageing Games to honour the elderly at Danie van Zyl Recreation Centre recently.
“When we take responsibility for our own health and wellness, we transform ageing into a time of opportunities, allowing us to continue to live productive lives. Let’s not put off taking those steps,” he urged.
The recreation centre was filled with nothing but joy as the elderly enjoyed games ranging from the famous morabaraba to board games, goal shooting, duck walking, and many more activities.
After all, happiness, amusement, and mental stimulation are essential for the overall well-being of every elder. And we all have days when we just want to entertain ourselves by doing something fun.
Games are convenient ways to have fun, whether alone or in a group. They eradicate boredom, relieve stress, and make parties and other social engagements easier, more enjoyable, and less intimidating. Games also help to exercise our brains and bodies. Certain types of games may benefit some people’s mood, memory, concentration, reasoning, and health.
Games that require you to learn something new may be particularly beneficial to your brain too. These games were used as a selection process for the official regional team that will compete in the Gauteng Active Ageing Games in July 2022.
“Ageing has long been associated with an increasingly sedentary lifestyle, but those who participated today are changing what it means to grow older across the City of Joburg. The active ageing games encourage citizens to celebrate and embrace an active, social lifestyle no matter your age,” said Vanessa Montanus, the City’s Assistant Director for Sport and Recreation in Region B.
23/05/2022