Community involvement – how the sense of belonging improves elders’ lives

Retirement can be a difficult time for older people who have been used to working their entire adult lives. You lose your sense of purpose when you no longer having to get up every morning and go to work. Plus, losing the connection with work colleagues leaves an empty gap.

This is also the life stage when you are more likely to lose your spouse. Apart from the natural grief, being suddenly single feels very strange and lonely, especially if you’ve been married for decades.

Your children may not live in the same city, or even the same country. If they do live nearby, you still might not see much of them, because they are busy juggling their own careers and rearing their own children.

Less physically fit

As you get older, you may feel less physically fit and strong. Arthritis, high blood pressure and shortness of breath – all more common in older people – can prevent you from walking far. You may no longer see well enough to drive, especially at night, putting an end to enjoyable activities like going out for dinner with friends.

Lack of contact

Routine trips to the supermarket have become a thing of the past, thanks to online shopping services like Checkers 60. Although older people may find online shopping wonderfully convenient, it eliminates opportunities to ‘bump into’ friends and acquaintances at the supermarket, or exchange friendly banter with the checkout person.

Insignificant as they may seem, these brief, social interactions play a powerful role in helping us feel connected to others. Without them, we feel more isolated, lonely and lacking in purpose.

At Tafta, we believe that strong community ties can recreate that sense of belonging, purpose and joy in life. More than just socialising, it’s about fostering meaningful connections, encouraging active participation, and ensuring that every older person feels valued and supported.

Why Community Involvement Matters

When older adults stay connected with their community, they experience numerous benefits, including:

• Improved mental health: regular social interaction helps combat loneliness and depression, improving overall emotional well-being.
• Better physical health: engaging in group activities, such as walking clubs or exercise classes, encourages movement and boosts physical health.
• A sense of purpose: Volunteering, mentoring, or sharing life experiences with younger generations can give seniors a renewed sense of purpose.
• Enhanced cognitive function: Socialising and participating in mentally stimulating activities helps keep the brain active and sharp.

Intense concentration during a craft session at Anna Conradie Wellness Centre.

Ways to Get Involved

Want to remain active within your community? Here are some ways to get involved:

Join a group or volunteer at your place of worship

This is a great way to meet people with similar beliefs and values, and religious organisations are always happy to welcome new members. Spend some time after the prayer/service chatting to people over a cup of tea. Find out if there are any groups you could join, or if volunteers are needed to greet visitors or help with maintenance, gardening or administrative tasks.

Clubs and wellness centres

Pop into your local library to find out about clubs in your area. Depending on your interests, you could join a book club, bridge/chess club, hiking club, sewing and knitting circle, or just a friendly social club. If you live in the Durban area, you are most welcome to pop into any of our wellness centres for a meal, arts and crafts sessions, exercise and dance classes and so on. Spending a morning at one of our centres is a great opportunity to make new friends and enjoy shared interests.

Volunteer

Giving back to the community through volunteering can be incredibly rewarding, regardless of your age. Get involved with community clean ups, helping out at a soup kitchen or children’s home, delivering meals to people in need ,or volunteering at your local library or school.

Educational workshops

Lifelong learning keeps the mind active. From digital literacy classes to attending sessions on entrepreneurial opportunities, gaining new skills and knowledge can give you a brand new lease on life – and open the door to new friendships with others who share your interests.

Intergenerational activities

Engaging with younger generations through mentorship programmes bridges the gap between age groups and fosters mutual respect and learning.

Fitness and wellness programmes

Group exercises like yoga, pilates, dance, or bowls not only promote physical health but also encourage social bonding.

Elders at Tafta on Ridge were recently entertained with songs performed by prefects from Northwood School.  Our elders were impressed by the dapper gentlemen, who treated them with respect and compassion in a wonderful example of intergenerational engagement.

How You Can Help

Community engagement isn’t just about what seniors can do – it’s about what the community can do to support them. Whether you’re a family member, neighbour, or business, you can play a role in enriching the lives of older people

• Time is one of the most precious gifts you can give. Spend half an hour with an elderly relative or neighbour, even if it’s just for a chat over a cuppa, or to help them set up their new phone or computer.
• Volunteer at an organisation like Tafta. We have plenty of opportunities for people to get involved in activities that help create a life worth living for older people.
• Organise community events that are inclusive and senior-friendly, e.g. mini market/car boot sale, fun walk, potjie competition, or neighbourhood clean-up.