Adding life to your years - SAARP’s Social Clubs
There is a worldwide trend to make older persons aware that they can change the way they age and enjoy a rewarding and productive life – it’s called Active Aging. Active Aging is simply the process of using your opportunities to participate in society and to stay healthy - in fact, to stay involved in life. Healthy eating, regular exercise and continual mental stimulation are very important to active aging - together with a feeling of being involved in life, of being needed and wanted. This is precisely why SAARP started its Social Clubs – as meeting points where you can make new friends, renew old acquaintances, remain involved and generally “adding life to your years”.
We often comment on the differences between cultures while forgetting that the cultural gap between generations can be just as great, if not greater. We have a need to be able to interact with our contemporaries, people who have similar life experiences and interests - rather than only with our children or grandchildren. We are not too old to enjoy ourselves, to have fun, and to participate in many activities with those of our own age.
About twelve percent of current SAARP members belong to our Social Clubs scattered across South Africa. If you are one of the eighty-eight percent who are missing out on the fun, this is your chance to change your life. The clubs all meet at least once a month where refreshments and entertainments are the order of the day. In addition to these monthly meetings most clubs cater for a variety of other interests including regular outings to interesting venues. These outings, together with stimulating speakers and entertainers give a sense of belonging which comes from socializing with others who have similar interests. In addition, bingo, scrabble, bridge, braais, breakfasts, walks, lunches, hikes, 10 pin bowling and theatre outings at greatly reduced prices are just some of the other fun diversions that our social club members enjoy.
What’s more, most clubs try to keep costs down and to look for economic benefits in their area where they negotiate discounts for their members.
These local benefits enhance the many others that you, as a SAARP member, enjoy. Benefits such as a bi-annual printed bulletin and a monthly e-newsletter; a Holiday Club which offers off peak accommodation at unbelievably low rates; a free will service; a 5 per cent annual discount with a b-Smart buying card; a Mahalas Membership Card where you can earn spot discounts or points which you can later convert to purchases; and short term insurance at very competitive rates and a host of benefits that are always being added to.
In the various regions the club chairmen meet regularly to exchange ideas on outings, entertainers and benefits. Our website has a list of contact numbers to help you find a club in your area. Why not change your life today, pick up the telephone and contact your nearest club chairman, it may just turn out to be one of the best things you’ve done in years. If you are a live wire and need to be involved, or are itching to still use the skills you honed over a lifetime, clubs are always looking for volunteers to serve on their committees. Some clubs have up to fifteen committee members all of whom handle specific portfolios. The committees usually meet once a month and ensure that a really good tea accompanies their meetings.
Every day medical science is proving that the onset of disease, and particularly dementia, is counteracted by an active mind and an active body. I recall one young lady who was concerned that her dad was ill and wasting away before the age of seventy. She got him interested in using his lifelong hobby of carpentry to build sets for their local theatrical society. When last heard of he was an active, healthy eighty-two year old rushing around the set of their latest play – for which he had designed and built all the sets.
Remember, “A stranger is just a friend you do not know.” So, pick up the phone and contact your nearest club today – this has been a life changing event for many people and it may just provide you with a whole new perspective and “adding life to your years”.
September 2011