BETHLEHEM. ‘ October is International Elderly People’s Month and OurHealth visited with the energetic, active and healthy elders of Mphohadi Luncheon Club at Mphohadi Clinic in Bethlehem.
The group meets every day to exercise, do handwork (beading), and run a stokvel (soap and money) to keep healthy – not just physically, but psychologically and emotionally too.
Petrus Moloi (82) says that he has never been admitted to a health-care facility as exercise and other activities keep him healthy and stress free. ‘These exercises make me to be a young person again ‘ healthy, energetic and strong,’ claims Petrus.
Lizzy Makhubo (69) says: ‘We call the group our doctor, because unlike other grannies who don’t exercise, we don’t have many old-age problems or diseases. When we go for medical checkups we are disease free because we exercise and eat a healthy diet at the club.’
Medical research has shown that inactivity in the elderly can lead to many diseases including diabetes, heart problems and osteoporosis.
Exercise and a healthy diet will go a long way to ensure you are healthy and happy in your old age.