The elderly from the Maranatha Morning Star Pentecostal Church in Retreat gather every second Wednesday to participate in various activities such as fitness, life skills, assistance with wills and estates as well as visiting heritage sights.
On Wednesday 3 August, the seniors gathered in Muizenberg for a beach outing and lunch organised by the couple Kathy Basson and Abraham.
The senior group called “Maranatha Coffee Morning Seniors” was started 23 years ago to assist the elderly from Steenberg, Lavender Hill and Retreat.
Kathy (65) said many of the elderly come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“I was 46 when we started this group.
“My mother and mother-in-law were part of it but have since passed on. Some of the seniors never go out and many are underprivileged.
“In today’s times, children take money from the seniors and use it for tik. We also have motivational speakers who come to talk about any issues and situations they may have. It’s very sad but what makes us happy is to take them out.”
Abraham (71) said the programme sees many elderly join from the Cape Flats. “We are running the seniors programme for 23 years, we have seniors from all over the Cape Flats in Steenberg, Lavender Hill and Retreat, Mitchell’s Plain and Bellville.
“The group was started to give the seniors some time outside of their homes and to keep everyone active.
“We have a lot of fitness days and do exercise with them and make sure that they are doing well. We quite aware of our bodies that must be fit and well.”
Abraham, who grew up in Retreat, said seniors also need to have fun.
“We took them to eat out in Muizenberg on Wednesday and the idea was to take them onto the beach and do some exercises.
“We also take them on a tour bus every year around the peninsula, the botanical gardens and around to Hout Bay and Camps Bay and beach time or a lunch.
“We have a sports day, brisk walk, throwing the ball for seniors over 60’s and 70’s. Just to add more life in old age not to just sit at home but to keep them going.
“Next month, we will let them create a hat out of flowers and boxes and will then hand out prizes for the most creative piece.”
He added though that the group is seeking a nurse who could assist with doing blood pressure checks.
“We need nurses to come and take blood pressure, for sugar diabetes and so on at least twice a month.”
