Making seniors feel special
International Day of Older Persons celebrated at CTICC
A GROUP of seniors were treated to an afternoon of food and entertainment at the Cape Town International Convention Centre when they celebrated the International Day of Older Persons.
The festivities, in partnership with Neighbourhood Old Age Homes (Noah), where 75 seniors were treated, included a three-course meal.
International Day of Older Persons is mandated by the UN and is celebrated each year on October 1. The theme this year was “Celebrating Older Human Rights Champions”.
CTICC chief executive Julie-May Ellingson, who welcomed the elders of Noah, referred to the Xhosa proverb “Indlela ibuzwa kwabaphambili”, which translates to seeking advice from those who have already gained the experience.
“In this fast-paced world of the internet and smartphones, we often turn by default to our computers and the worldwide web for advice.
“But as a wise man once said: ‘The best classroom is at the feet of an elderly person.’
“We must never forget that we have great vaults of knowledge in our own communities – knowledge gained not at a keyboard, but from living, finding solutions to life’s challenges and using the accumulated wisdom of generations to solve problems specific to our environment, our people and our country,” said Ellingson.
Noah’s mission is to help as many social pensioners as possible live independent and dignified lives within their own communities.
Noah offers 11 safe communal houses for more than 100 residents, assisted living homes for less independent residents, two primary health-care clinics, offering services including observations, medication distribution, advice, referrals for physiotherapy, podiatry, dementia and therapeutic massage to more than 440 members and two community centres working to assist with income generation, social support, wellness support, access to information and referrals to 150 members.
Social enterprises development manager at Noah, Jane Mills, said: “Social pensioners are the backbone of our society and a day to celebrate their enormous contribution, past, present and future, is vital.”
Ellingson concluded her welcome with a tribute addressed to the Noah elders, representing all South African elders.
“I see you. I see your wisdom. I see the education, care and nurturing you have provided to the generations that have followed yours. Thank you. I am because you are: Umntu ngumntu ngabantu.”