TAFTA programmes and activities
Apart from a range of activities and entertainment offered at our various Wellness Centres, TAFTA events include:- Various sports
- Annual Golden Games Sports Day
- Annual swimming gala
- Table tennis and bowls tournaments
- Participation in annual golf day
- Fun walks – annual TAFTA walk, SANZAF walk, Stroke walk, etc.
If you live outside TAFTA's area of operation
TAFTA operates predominately in the Durban Central area, extending from Wentworth in the south to Umhlanga in the north.The Western boundaries are Newlands East and Hilary, and we have a community based development project in Amaoti, Inanda.
Other NGOs adopting a similar approach on active ageing are:
Active Ageing
Older people who are active, stimulated and involved in the community enjoy a better quality of life and suffer fewer age related illnesses. TAFTA promotes the concept of active ageing, both in the community and within our residences, by providing a number of programmes and activities designed to engage and inspire older people – physically, mentally and socially.
Active ageing is built on four pillars: health, participation, security and lifelong learning.
It starts with you
Active ageing means taking control of your life and spending it the way you want to. Ask yourself what you would like to be doing in your spare time and what is stopping you. How can you work around these barriers to enjoy the life you really want?
Be on the lookout for information and activities that might be of interest. Check out the "What's happening" section of the newspaper, the notice board at the library, supermarket or community centre, church newsletters, TAFTA newsletters and our website, which publicises upcoming events.
Take charge of your health
Physical health is critical to active ageing. It's never too late to start leading a healthy lifestyle. If you are overweight, make a determined effort to lose a few kilograms by following a healthy diet – go easy on the fats, processed foods and starch, eat more fresh fruit and veggies and drink plenty of water.
Keep moving – brisk walks, gentle strolls, slow jogs, cycling, swimming, dancing – as long as you are on the move, you'll feel better and your health will benefit.
Go for regular medical checkups, take your medication on time as prescribed by the doctor and behave responsibly, especially if you have a medical condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
Make friends
Human beings are not meant to be alone – we are social in nature. Make an effort to interact with more people. Don't be afraid to admit you are lonely – it's not a character flaw. Loneliness often comes with old age, especially if you have lost a friend or life partner. Try to find people with similar interests by joining a community group or club. This can be difficult if you are naturally shy, but you can start off by visiting a few places and talking to the people in charge. This will ensure you see at least one familiar face when you turn up for your first meeting.
Invite people into your life ... share your experiences openly with others.
Food for the soul
Often older people express a need for spiritual upliftment as they negotiate the challenges of ageing. Here are five ways to achieve this:
- Gratitude – being grateful for what we have, what we do and who we are.
- Generosity – giving back and helping others makes us feel happier and more content.
- Reframing – ageing includes its share of losses and sorrows, but it's how we deal with these that makes all the difference. Every negative experience presents opportunities to learn or to take a new path.
- Curiosity – we are never too old to learn new things ... about nature, about how things work, about ourselves. Being curious is what keeps us young at heart.
- Flexibility – things change all the time for everyone. It's important not to get too stuck in our ways.
Useful links
- 5 ways to keep your brain young
http://blog.neurotrack.com/5-ways-to-keep-your-brain-young/ - What is Active Ageing? accrding to the World Health Organisation
http://www.who.int/ageing/active_ageing/en/ - 8 tips for active ageing
http://www.livescience.com/35863-grow-old-gracefully-tips.html - Eating on a budget
https://www.nestlewellness.co.za/healthy-eating-on-a-budget-fact-sheet/ - Staying healthy as you age
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/aging-well/staying-healthy-as-you-age.htm - Health benefits of laughter
http://www.seniorhomes.com/p/humor-and-laughter-health-benefits-for-seniors-resources/
Join in these fun activities at TAFTA
Golden Games sports day
Dinner dances
Showtime with the TAFTA Revellers
Arts & Crafts
Beachfront Fun Walk
Games of skill
