Safe environment to socialise
THE Eastbury Senior Citizens Club in Phoenix aims to create a safe environment for the elderly to step out of their daily routines and socialise.
Elise Pillay, the chairperson of the club, said the group started about 22 years ago under the umbrella body called Operation Dignity.
“I used to volunteer at Eastbury Secondary School and I also used to help a local councillor with hamper distribution drives. Through these drives, I gained first-hand experience on how the elderly in our community lived. Many of them lived in poverty, others lived alone or with family. In most cases, all they did was stay at home,” said Pillay.
“I began chatting to the school principal about my observations and the idea to start the club was born.
“I drew up a list of names of the elderly whom I had interacted with, and went door to door to invite them to join the principal and I for lunch at the school hall. About 50 people turned up and they were eager about the prospect of a senior citizens’ club opening.”
Meetings are held weekly at the hall and the current membership is 35.
“We meet twice a month on a Wednesday. On one day, we spend the day at the beach or the park, and on the next outing we host activities like games or have health talks. Our next trip is to
the Bangladesh Market in Chatsworth. In addition, we use these outings to celebrate birthdays.”
Members are between the ages of 60 and 70.
“We charge a monthly fee of R40. This covers breakfast and lunch for the two meeting days. The money is also used toward celebrating special occasions like Father’s Day, Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day. When we go out, the members only have to pay a minimal transport fee.
“Many of our members are widows or widowers, and live alone. Others are retired. They have given so much of their lives to their jobs, and raising
and caring for their children, that they have lost themselves and who they are as people.
“The club provides a space for them to learn to live again, to make new friends and to visit new places. They have a new lease on life and are taught to be more positive.
“We are also a support system to them. I encourage the elderly to join clubs in their areas.”
Elizabeth Padayachee, 76, from Eastbury, a widow, joined the club 20 years ago.
“I previously worked for a clothing company. I joined the club because I felt there was only so much I could share with my children. With my children we did the basics like cooking, cleaning and shopping together, but I needed to talk to people my age.
“By joining the club, I have made friends and I can share my likes and dislikes with them including details of the science-fiction books that I enjoy reading.”
Padayachee, a great-grandmother, said it felt good to hear people talk about their backgrounds and experiences.
“I have realised that maybe I don’t have everything in life but at least through the group I have friendship. People have the misconception that senior citizens clubs are only about going out and having fun. The club is actually a support system for the elderly. They are a comforting hand when you are down. They are a shoulder to cry on when you have lost a loved one.”
George Maduray, 71, a retired businessman, joined the club 22 years ago.
Although the grandfather of eight has moved to Malvern, he still attends the club’s meeting.
“I joined when I was in my fifties. At the time I wanted to help take care of the elderly and build friendships with them. The elderly need to know they don’t have to be alone. There are clubs like ours that are there to help them and support them.”
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