Intergenerational communication is key

This February, Tafta encourages supporters to embrace the month of love (and beyond) by showing care and appreciation to those who first loved us … our parents, grandparents and guardians who raised us, who are now the older generation.

Through our recently launched Sawubona Campaign, we hope to foster a culture of recognising the value of older people, as a step toward combating ageism and promoting elder rights.

Tafta CEO, Femada Shamam shared that engaging elders in conversation allows us to understand the unique issues affecting older people. This is vital in upholding their rights and ensuring they are both seen and heard.

“Technology has pulled us away from having one-on-one interactions where we can connect on a deeper level,” said Shamam.

At Tafta, we hope to reignite intergenerational communication through the launch of our ‘Conversation Cards’.

“Using the cards is a light-hearted and insightful exercise that allows younger generations to engage with the elders around them, learning important aspects about that person, the life they lived, and catching a glimpse of the world through their eyes. There is no better way to gain advice, preserve our culture and learn our history, than from the ‘living libraries’ that surround us daily. And, in turn, we get to tell our older people, ‘I see you’ and ‘I value your contribution’.

“Within these conversations, one can gain a broad understanding of the changes that come with ageing and an awareness of what it means to be 60 years and older, eliminating the stigma that leads to ageism,” explained Shamam.

We invite local schools, corporates and families to join interactive sessions with our Tafta residents, using the new Conversation Cards as starters to encourage inter-generational bonding and understanding.

“In this way, we encourage a foundation of solidarity where different generations can relate to, help and depend on one another – perpetuating a society of Ubuntu,” said Shamam.

For more information on Tafta’s Conversation Cards and the interactive sessions being hosted, contact Kemmy-Leigh Moodley on 031 332 3721 or idpr@tafta.org.za