Green Living Movement (GLM) was pleased to host a “Golden Age Mingle” community elders edition. This was a successful event that brought together Dlangeni Elderly people at All about Faith Ministries Hall on the 5th of April 2024 to share stories over a meal and traditional dance. The beginning of many to come as GLM urge the country to encourage social inclusion in entertainment to improve mental well-being of our elders. “It was a great sight; they couldn’t control their excitement during the traditional dance” GLM Director Ntombifuthi Mavuso added.
Purpose
The main purpose of the “Golden Age Mingle” event was to alleviate loneliness for elderly residents in our communities, especially in rural areas. Loneliness and social isolation are especially common among the elderly, and they can have major health consequences. GLM found a way to overcome this loneliness as elders find it difficult to leave their homes for social visits due to physical and financial incapabilities. Keeping in touch over the phone is a foreign concept to elderly as they were raised by face-to-face interactions and cultural activities. Elders are the dictionary of indigenous knowledge of the country and need to be interacted with frequently, GLM in attendance learnt a lot as elders shared insight on how they faced certain challenges in life.
Donation
Green Living Movement received a donation from a public figure who requested to remain anonymous concerning the contribution. Their intention was to contribute to helping the elderly in the community. The 20 community elders received grocery packages which consisted of: blanket, 10kg rice, 2kg sugar, 2l cooking oil, 100 teabags, 1kg soup, matches, braai wovrs and washing soap. They enjoyed their meal while watching a beautiful traditional performance by Lutsango organized by the community leader and the elderly were transported from and to their homesteads.