At a breakfast at The Smiling Oven (a well-known eatery, part coffee shop, part bakery, part restaurant, part take-away, in Strand) yesterday (Wednesday 22 October) the Older Wiser Lovelier Seniors (Owls) launched their Memory Album, documenting six glorious years of quality friendship. This gave rise to a sparkling atmosphere of joy and laughter that reminiscing brings about.
“The memory book is close to my heart as a lot of tender love and care was put into it,” said Sheila Saaiman, founder of the Owls, “and preserving these memories is priceless.”
The curated collection chronicles how a simple stroll along Gordon’s Bay Beach led to a thriving community for retirees seeking companionship.
On 7 July 2019 Saaiman and Val Pistorious had perched on a rock the beach, enjoying the quietness of the ocean. Saaiman turned to Pistorious and asked: “I wonder if there are other pensioners in our area who also just want to share a cup of coffee and have a chat? Maybe they are lonely.”
She posted a Facebook message asking seniors in the basin if they would be interested.
I got a response, and the following week 12 of us got together at Smiling Oven for breakfast. The next month we increased to 25.
The group has spread its wings, growing to 110 members on its WhatsApp group across six branches, including crafts, walking, swimming with water aerobics, and theatre outings.
“It may seem like a business, but it is not,” said Saaiman with a little chuckle.
“Every department was birthed out of talents discovered within the group or just something we found we all enjoyed.”
The group’s charitable division, run by Lidia Leitao, raises money for non-profit organisations. They have partnered with locally-based Smiling Child, which provides educational foundations for disadvantaged children aged 8 to 13, showing these seniors really give a hoot about their community.
“As you grow older you realise there are people much worse off than you are,” Leitao pointed out, “and the Owls were blessed to have good jobs before we retired, so partnering with Smiling Child allows us to do something meaningful for others.”
The group serves as more than just a social nest, as Johanna Solomons discovered when she had brain surgery, and the group rallied behind her.
They came to visit me in the hospital regularly. I am so thankful for these people.
This was Saaiman’s dream on that fateful Sunday, when her thoughts were propelled by the Gordon’s Bay breeze.
“That is exactly what it is,” she declared, “helping the elderly to love life and ensuring there is always someone to lend a hand and pick you up.”
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