Articles from our Blog
Look after your liver
The liver is a vital organ which provides a wide range of functions crucial to your overall health and well-being. Located on the right-hand side of your abdomen, just beneath your diaphragm and above your stomach, it’s the second largest organ after the skin.
Secrets to longevity – what are they?
Based on a 2022 estimate by the United Nations, there are more than half a million centenarians worldwide, and the numbers are growing. Why are we living longer, and what are the secrets to longevity?
Overcoming the ‘invisible woman’ syndrome
Around menopause, women gradually fade into background and become ‘invisible’, as if we don’t exist or our lives no longer have any value.
Leap year – an extra ‘bonus’ day to show your love
2024 is a leap year. Which means we get an extra day in February. Twenty-four bonus hours to make a difference in our own life and the lives of others.
Save tax with Section 18A
Section 18A Tax Certificates are a SARS initiative to encourage philanthropy and cultivate a culture of giving for the greater good.
Keeping safe this festive season
From the 25th of November to the 10th December, South Africa joins the United Nations’ Campaign for 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence.
Diabetes – what it is and why older people are more at risk
Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide. In South Africa, it is the second leading cause of death, after tuberculosis.
Embracing the International Day of Care and Support
As we stand at the crossroads of a changing world, there are certain undeniable realities that we must confront. People are living longer, and the global population of older individuals is on the rise.
Suicide Prevention – could you save someone’s life?
Suicide Prevention – what to do if you suspect that a loved one may be thinking about taking their own life.
Self-care for care workers – 8 tips to prevent burnout
Care work is often under-valued and underpaid – if there is any pay at all. And yet what could be important than to care for someone who is sick, disabled, or elderly?
Letting go – by Peter Ellis who suffered a massive stroke in 2018
Having a stroke really brings your mortality to the fore of your mind. Recently I have been thinking about death. It gives me a sense of urgency.
Joy and rewards of connecting with elders through intergenerational activities
Intergenerational activities can be incredibly enriching and offer unique opportunities for people of different age groups to connect and learn from each other.
Winter ailments that affect elders – and how to combat them
Winter ailments – how to keep elders healthy While many of us suffer from colds and flu during winter, these ailments are more serious in older people. Here's a rundown of common winter ailments that affect elders, and how to avoid or treat them. Influenza...
Good nutrition on a budget – how to eat well for less
With the ever-increasing cost of living, how do you maintain healthy, good nutrition on a budget? We have the tips you need.
What is Active Ageing? And why is it important?
Active Ageing is about refusing to let our age define us. It’s about making the most of life regardless of the passing years. More than that, it’s about taking the necessary steps to safeguard our strength and wellness, so that we can continue to live full, active, healthy and meaningful lives.
Pros and cons of moving in with adult children
Saving money is the number one reason why you might consider moving in with adult children. But there are other benefits (and drawbacks) to consider.
Key to retirement savings – start early and never stop
Although starting early is the best way to reach your retirement savings goal, it’s never too late to start saving.
Hearing loss can lead to isolation and loneliness
While hearing loss can occur at any age, it’s one of those conditions … like failing eyesight … that is more common among elderly people.
Smashing the stereotype of the ‘little old lady’
After her retirement from the nursing profession in 2012, Zimbili Shezi spread her wings and really began to
soar.
7 steps to a greener future – play your part by following our green tips
Going ‘green’ and caring for the environment is something we all need to embrace. There is no Planet B! Follow our green tips to safeguard the earth.
You have cancer – surely the words we most fear hearing
Nearly 150 000 South Africans will be diagnosed with cancer in the year ahead. We offer some tips to help you face the disease with hope and courage.
Tafta’s 65th Anniversary reflections
As we celebrate the milestone of our 65th Anniversary, we reflect on some of the highlights of the past five years.
9 Christmas gift ideas for the over 70s
Our checklist of Christmas gift ideas for the over 70s comprises consumables and useful items rather than trinkets and gadgets.
Ideas for diabetic-friendly Christmas food
If you’re hosting a festive dinner this year, and one of the guests has diabetes, deciding what to serve can be daunting. Try our diabetic-friendly suggestions.
How to make ends meet on a SASSA old age grant
At just R1 980 per month, the SASSA old age grant is clearly not sufficient to live on. And the extra R20 you get if you are 75 years or older makes very little difference.
World Food Day highlights food insecurity in South Africa
World Food Day highlights need for food security World Food Day, celebrated every year on 16 October, shines the spotlight of awareness on food insecurity. According to a report by The Food and Agricultural Organisation, 800 million people go to bed hungry...
Have I got Alzheimer’s disease? Be aware of the signs and symptoms
World Alzheimer’s Day, on Wednesday 21 September, shines the spotlight on this frightening disease.
Six essential qualities to look for in a carer
Thinking of hiring a carer to look after an elderly relative (or yourself) at home? Apart from professional qualifications, a good carer has natural qualities that can’t be taught. What are they and why are they so important?
Cost of elder care – could you afford it?
Who will care for me when I get old? And will I be able to afford the cost of elder care, if I suffer from demenita, Parkinsons, crippling arthritis or a stroke?
5 unexpected benefits of volunteering
Volunteering helps you meet people and make friends, connect with your community, learn new skills, and even advance your career. Plus it makes you feel good!
What legacy will you leave, for friends and family to remember you by?
It’s just human nature. Wanting to leave something of ourselves behind when our time on earth is over. We need to believe that our lives have counted for something. That we made a difference. In short, we want to leaving a legacy.
Cooking for one – tips for elders living alone
When you live alone – as many elders do – cooking for one can seem like too much bother. Here are some ideas for quick and easy … and nutritious … meals for one.
Buying on Life Rights – is it your best bet?
Although the Life Rights model has been around for decades, and has become increasingly popular among retirees world wide, many people are still confused as to how it works.
Family matters – support for elders living alone
Family matters – support for elders living alone In some cultures, extended families still live together. Or at least in the same neighbourhood – supporting one another throughout the various stages of life, from childhood to old age. But in Western society, it’s less...
Saving for retirement – are you on the right track?
Imagine yourself at age 65 or 70. Retired. No longer earning a salary. Will your retirement savings be enough to sustain your lifestyle?
Prepare family members for deterioration of older relatives’ condition
If you see your parents or parents in law on a regular basis, you will be aware of any gradual loss of mobility or cognitive function. Not so for other relatives who haven’t seen the older family members since last Christmas or even longer, owing to Covid-19 restrictions.
Health risks of social isolation – the unseen pandemic
While social distancing is accepted as crucial to stop the spread of the disease, isolation from loved ones and work colleagues carries its own deadly risk to our health.
Tips to help elders living on their own during the pandemic
Elders living on their own during the pandemic, or forced to self-isolate, may need extra support from loved ones to help them cope.
Older people benefit from being able to make their own decisions
During lockdown, our in house volunteers took on practical responsibilities to keep our Homes running smoothly despite skeleton staff. Using Facebook and WhatsApp, they shared news and uplifting messages, and provided a channel of communication between staff, elders and families.
6 iconic heritage buildings that have shaped our heritage
September is Heritage Month and, as an organisation that has served the people of Durban for 63 years, Tafta has its own proud heritage. Where we come from as an organisation is closely linked to the buildings we own.
10 routine health checks that could save your life
Covid-19 aside, there are many other diseases that can threaten our health. Now is a good time to think about preventative measures, such as regular medical screening tests.
Healthy Exercise for the Over 60s
Regular exercise remains vitally important throughout life, helping to improve both mental and physical health and preventing conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
Human Rights and your health
Although the right to health care applies equally to all South Africans, in our unequal society, the reality is very different.
Healthy nutrition for the over 60s
Healthy nutrition for the over 60s is about eating properly to ensure our ageing bones, heart, skin and other organs get the right nutrients.
Elder abuse – recognise confusing signs and symptoms
Elder Abuse is everyone’s business. But the signs of elder abuse are not always easy to recognise.
Shameful truth about elder abuse
Elder abuse can take place in the home, at the hands of spouses, adult children and even grandchildren. It also happens in institutions such as hospitals or nursing homes
If you think the cost of living is high, consider the cost of dying!
Did you know that a simple, basic funeral costs around R10 000? And this can easily escalate to R50 000 or more depending on the choice of coffin, headstone, burial plot and flowers.
Knowledge comes from learning – wisdom comes from living
On October 1, we celebrate the International Day of Older Persons – a chance to celebrate the wisdom of older people in our society.
Teaching kids to care
Teaching kids to care So you’ve decided on a big family get together this Christmas to make up for the disappointment of last year. You’ll fetch mom from the old age home, organise an Uber for the in laws, and everyone will have the most wonderful time together. Or...