Our friends are our family
THE Senior Citizens Club in oThongathi (Tongaat) was established to create a fun and social space for the elderly to meet new people.
Anand Naidoo, 83, chairperson of Tesco, the Central Tongaat Section Group, said the club started 31 years ago.
Tesco is one of the eight groups under the mother organisation, Ascot (the Association of Senior Citizens of Tongaat).
Naidoo joined 12 years ago after retiring as a baker.
“I joined because my friends said after retirement we should still socialise and have fun.”
He said the club was started by teachers who met in their spare time at Tesco hall after school to socialise and play tennis.
“To be in the club, you need to be over 60. Our 80 registered members meet on Mondays and Tuesdays at the
Tongaat library. Some members are widowed. They joined because they miss their spouses and felt the void. They regard our club as a second home.”
He said some of the members’ grandchildren often gave them money to enjoy outings and meals.
“They pay a monthly fee of R10 and Ascot handles all of the group’s finances and activities as we are also subsidised by the government.
“We go on day and night trips – to the beach, bus tours and rickshaw rides. Anything we wish. We are planning a four-day trip to Margate.
“Members pay a share toward the trip but we also get good pensioner discounts from resorts. It’s always fun. We enjoy cooking and socialising.” The Tesco group also play sports. “These include rugby throwing, kickball and other easy low-contact sports. We play each group within the Ascot organisation and then play other senior citizen groups in other areas. From there, we sometimes play provincially. It’s fun and fulfilling.”
Amba Chetty, 73, from Gandhi’s Hill joined eight years ago.
“I joined before my husband’s death. After his passing, I felt lonely. I needed to talk to people and the members filled the void. A lot of my friends also lost their spouses, so we understand each other.
“We go on many trips and take part in activities. For birthdays, we have parties and enjoy ourselves. We are one big family.
“We take care of each other. We cook meals together, clean vegetables and have a wonderful time. As a club, we also celebrate every holiday.
“I encourage other senior citizens to join similar clubs in their areas, especially if you are lonely after retirement. I know I feel sick and upset if I miss just one day away from everyone.”
Urmala Baleea, 70, from Venrova joined 10 years ago.
“I wanted to get out of the house, make friends and socialise. The activities and sports help us to stay fit and keep us healthy. I play kickball. It’s not difficult. It’s purely for the elderly to have fun. We knit and crochet, and sometimes give the items to each other.
“When we stay in the house, we have worries but when we are all together, we have one another to speak to. Our friends are our family and we get to see them weekly. For those who have not joined a senior citizens club, you should do so because socialising with people your age will help you ease your worries,” said Baleea.