Scores of elderly citizens from various senior clubs gathered at Mfesane in Crossroads on Thursday 15 June to commemorate the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
Activities on the day included exercising and dancing.
They also received wellness tests for chronic illnesses, including high blood pressure and diabetes.
The event was organised by the Age-in-Action organisation together with various other organisations.
Age-in-Action, a non-government organisation (NGO), works closely with senior citizens through empowerment programmes. They educate seniors about human rights and various abuses, including emotional, physical, financial, sexual, psychological and verbal.
The five clubs that attended the gathering included Vulindlela Seniors, Seniors Haven Camelot, Mother Theresa Healing Centre, Club Goeie Hoop and Gugulethu Older Persons Forum.
Speaking on behalf of Age-in-Action, social worker Bongeka Maphanga described the occasion as an annual event.
She said their organisation encourages senior citizens to speak out about anything that they feel uncomfortable with.
She said a person must be 60 years old and above to become a member of the club.
Maphanga said as social workers they sometimes visit their members to assess their living conditions.
“In cases of abuse or violation of their rights, the organisation normally visits the family and talks to the perpetrator. If the perpetrator is persisting in harassing or abusing our member, we advise the member to report the perpetrator to the police station or go to court for protection or an eviction order,” she said.
Maphanga stated that they have a support system where they help members to apply for old age care or get supportive care in times of need.
Nophumzile Dyantyi, from Vulindlela, described the event as helpful. She said they share their problems with the social workers.
“We forget all our stresses here. We share jokes and we laugh all the time. But what I like the most is that they also examine our bodies and check diabetes and other illnesses,” said Dyantyi.
She urged other elders to join senior clubs to have peace of mind. She stated that staying indoors is stressful sometimes.