To help deal with loneliness among elderly people, the South African Association for Retired People (SAARP) Jeffreys Bay Social Club hosts regular social activities for their members, and their most recent event included a fashion show which featured their members modelling great ‘just before winter’ outfits.
According to the SAARP’s website, while SAARP endeavoured to meet the economic needs of older persons, its social club dealt with the problems of loneliness through the creation and maintenance of social clubs.
By holding monthly meetings and organising entertainment, lunches and outings, the social club provided an opportunity for older persons to meet and interact.
Subgroups within the social club also hosted various pastimes, such as bingo, scrabble, and bridge.
In this way, many of the older persons’ needs for social interaction were catered for.
The club’s membership officer, Val Jackson, said, “The members of the club with the oldest being 85 years old, recently enjoyed a great afternoon at the Bowls Club with wine and cheese while a few of the members put on a great show when they modelled glamorous ‘just before winter’ outfits.”
“All outfits were sponsored by Milady’s from the Fountains Mall.”
JBay SAARP Social Club meets every third Tuesday of the month at the Bowls Club.
SAARP appointed one of its directors, John Benwell, as general manager to run SAARP’s social services.
Benwell has joined the social services as an advisory capacity and provides the clubs with advice and assistance when required.
The club is open to any person over the age of 50, while a membership fee of R50 per annum is levied by the club to meet the running expenses.
Services offered by the club include monthly meetings during which varied forms of entertainment are provided, outings and excursions of all sorts and the club arranges for speakers to talk on interesting topics.
In addition, they organise discounted trips and tours and provide members with the opportunity to serve on the various branch committees.
- For more information contact Val Jackson on 082 622 3786.
