30-07-2025
Grandparents' Day in Alexandra shines light on elderly struggles and support
The Aging with Wisdom Region E Elderly Forum's Grandparents' Day celebration offered a safe platform for Alexandra seniors to openly address their challenges. More than just highlighting their concerns, the event, held at Methodist Church on July 29, guided the elderly toward available resources and support.
The forum's secretary, Mamoraka Mogane, emphasised the significance of the gathering. 'As the elderly, we have a lot of problems. So, when we are united like this, we are here to talk about our problems, to advise each other, and to show each other how we can tackle our challenges.'
Mogane highlighted that seniors often face financial abuse. She said many rely on South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) grants, only to see their money siphoned off by their unemployed children. 'Children take their Sassa cards. So, today we gathered the elderly, so that, while we celebrate grandparent's day, we may be able to advise them.'
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She further explained how they connect struggling seniors with social workers who can step in when home becomes unsafe. 'We have different social workers who work with the elderly. When an elderly person comes to us with a specific problem, we are able to refer them to a social worker. Social workers ensure that they take the troubled elderly to either a retirement home or an alternative place that is safe.'
The forum also urges seniors to join elderly organisations, and to speak up at meetings. 'If they keep quiet, the stress builds up. We want them to share so we can help.'
For Mogane and the forum, the day was meant to demonstrate their support, and show available help for the seniors who are grappling with a myriad of challenges.
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