Articles from our Blog

World Brain Day, observed on 22 July, is an opportunity to raise awareness about brain health and the steps we can take to protect it throughout our lives.

While genetics and certain medical conditions can influence brain health, many of the habits that affect our brains are within our control. The good news is that it’s never too early – or too late – to make positive changes.

For many older persons living on a fixed income, hosting a festive meal can feel out of reach. But, an Easter brunch doesn’t need to be extravagant to be meaningful. With simple ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and shared moments – it can be something truly memorable.

Valentine’s Day often comes wrapped in roses, chocolates and steep price tags. But if you ask Tafta’s residents what love really looks like, the answer is far simpler. And far richer. Because love, especially later in life, is rarely about what’s spent. It’s about what’s shared.

As the year draws to a close, the festive season can bring as much stress as it does joy. Between family gatherings, financial pressures, and the rush to get everything done, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed – especially for older adults and their caregivers.

Parkinson’s Disease is an incurable, progressive neurological condition that affects movement, muscle control, and balance. It is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s, affecting over 10 million people worldwide.

According to global statistics, around 50% of all accidental injuries happen in the home, with trips and falls being a leading cause of severe injuries. The consequences for older people can be serious – follow our home safety tips to protect elders.

A good puzzle is more than just a way to pass the time – it’s a workout for the brain, a source of satisfaction, and often an opportunity to connect socially with others.

When it comes to looking after their health, many men tend to put things off. Whether it’s down to busy lives, a sense of invincibility, or simply not wanting to make a fuss, men often fall behind women in keeping up with routine checkups and screenings.

So-called ‘granny crafts’ – knitting, crochet, sewing, quilting and baking – have surprising mental health benefits. Far from being outdated hobbies, these hands-on activities provide a creative and therapeutic escape from modern-day pressures.

We all know that getting enough sleep is essential for our health. But did you know that the quality of your sleep is just as – if not more – important than the number of hours you spend in bed?

We often hear about the importance of a healthy diet, regular exercise, and mental well-being in combating the effects of ageing. But one crucial aspect of overall health that is often overlooked is posture.

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.

If you think Valentine’s Day is just for the young, think again! True, deep love is timeless, and Valentine’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the connections we cherish – whether romantic, familial, or friendships that have stood the test of time.

Broken your New Year Resolutions already? 12 tips to really improve your life in 2025 There’s something about a new year that inspires us to make lifestyle or work-related changes for the better. This is the year we will lose weight … stop smoking or drinking alcohol...

The 4 Rs of dementia care – reassure, reconsider, redirect and relax – are helpful in coping with difficult situations that arise when caring for someone with dementia.

The importance of lifelong learning   We normally associate learning with going to school or university, or training for a career. But we need to embrace the concept of lifelong learning, especially as we get older. Because, maintaining an active and stimulated...

Laughter really is the best medicine - especially as you get older   As we get older, maintaining a sense of humor and finding joy in laughter becomes not just enjoyable but also crucial for overall well-being. Here are 5 compelling reasons why laughter really is...

There’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end. Kindness doesn’t exist in isolation. Instead, it creates a domino effect where recipients of kindness are themselves moved to do something kind for someone else.

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.

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?

Suicide Prevention – what to do if you suspect that a loved one may be thinking about taking their own life.

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?

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 – 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...

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.

Our checklist of Christmas gift ideas for the over 70s comprises consumables and useful items rather than trinkets and gadgets.

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 Alzheimer’s Day, on Wednesday 21 September, shines the spotlight on this frightening disease.

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?

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?

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.

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...

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.

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.

Healthy nutrition for the over 60s is about eating properly to ensure our ageing bones, heart, skin and other organs get the right nutrients.

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.