Care for the Elderly: Charities team up to help elderly citizens keep fit, healthy

World
Europe

03:16

Indeed, taking care of senior citizens is a key indicator of the core values in any society. In Tanzania, the Good Samaritan Social Services Trust has joined forces with another charity, to devise specific programmes for elderly members of the community. CGTN's Daniel Kijo takes a look.

Workout after workout, these elderly citizens are proving that age is just a number. They are part of the Good Samaritan social service Tanzania's old age and health program. A revolutionary approach to solving healthcare challenges facing senior citizens in Tanzania - staying healthy by staying active, using their bodies and their minds.

AMINA MSAGASA, GROUP CHAIRPERSON, GOOD SAMARITAN TRUST "In the past there was little focus on the elderly. Service delivery was generalized. But now there is a special day for old people. And for those who got they get free medical services. Although access to medication is still a challenge, but for those who are in this group there is a little relief."

The Good Samaritan Social Service Trust Tanzania, or GSSST, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization founded in 1993. Since then it has been training Health workers on early diagnosis of Non-Communicable Diseases and working with older people as home-based caregivers and peer educators. The founder says the organisation is there to support the government.

ELISHA MWAMKINGA, HEAD, GOOD SAMARITAN SOCIAL SERVICE TRUST-TANZANIA "We looked at the community and found that most of the older people were not involved in any active activities that could keep them healthy. And we looked at the government services we thought we could compliment some of the social services in which the government couldn't reach."

GSSST works closely with another NGO called Helpage. HelpAge supports public health facilities to deliver age-friendly, free health services that ensure older people's wellbeing and dignity across Tanzania. Leonard says there needs to be a mental shift when it comes to aging.

LEONARD NDAMUGOBA, HEALTH PROGRAMME MANAGER, HELPAGE TANZANIA "We are trying to ensure active aging, to promote active aging in the society. Because you will find when you become old you don't even think about doing exercises. But also because of what we are used to sometimes you don't know what to eat for what condition."

Among other activities, GSSST supports the establishment of outreach health camps in 10 wards since 2006.

These camps promote small businesses to keep the elderly productive and earning and vegetable farming to encourage a diversification of diet for better health.

ELISHA MWAMKINGA, HEAD, GOOD SAMARITAN SOCIAL SERVICE TRUST-TANZANIA "This new approach calls upon all communities. In Africa not only Tanzania even at the global level to keep older people active and healthier. Let them be involved in activities."

The team at GSST and Helpage intend to expand this initiative to more districts in Tanzania. They believe programmes like these will help the elderly live happier, less lonely and healthier lives. Daniel Kijo, CGTN, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.