South Africa is a country with a diverse and vibrant population, where people of different cultures, races and backgrounds coexist. Among this population, there is a group of people who seem to have discovered the secrets to aging gracefully: the elderly within the Joe Gqabi District Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province.
This district is one of the few places in the country with a high number of elderly people (≥80 years), who live longer and healthier than the national average. What are their secrets to aging well? How do they cope with the challenges of old age? And what can we learn from them?
The Keys to Aging Gracefully
According to a study by Johns Hopkins Medicine, there are four lifestyle choices that can reduce the chance of death from all causes by 80 percent. These are:
- Don’t smoke. Smoking affects your coronary arteries and lungs, and increases the risk of cancer and stroke.
- Maintain a healthy weight. A healthy body mass index (BMI) is less than 25, and can be achieved by eating nutritious foods and avoiding processed and junk foods.
- Get up and move. Aim for about 30 minutes of physical activity a day, such as walking, stretching, yoga, tai chi, aerobics or anything else that you enjoy and that increases your breathing and heart rate.
- Eat well. Choose foods that are good for you, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, nuts, seeds and healthy fats. Avoid foods that are high in salt, sugar, saturated fat and cholesterol.
These lifestyle choices can help prevent or manage chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke and dementia, which are common among older adults. They can also improve your mood, energy, cognition and immunity.
The Challenges of Aging
However, aging gracefully is not only about physical health. It is also about mental, emotional and social well-being. Older adults face many challenges as they age, such as:
- Loss of income. Many older adults rely on pensions or grants as their main source of income, which may not be enough to cover their basic needs or medical expenses.
- Loss of independence. Older adults may experience reduced mobility, vision, hearing or cognitive function, which can limit their ability to perform daily activities or access services.
- Loss of social support. Older adults may lose their spouses, friends or relatives due to death or migration, which can lead to loneliness, isolation or depression.
- Abuse and neglect. Older adults may be vulnerable to abuse or neglect by their family members or caregivers, who may exploit them financially or physically.
- Discrimination and stigma. Older adults may face discrimination or stigma from society or health care providers, who may view them as a burden or as less worthy of respect or care.
These challenges can affect the quality of life and dignity of older adults, and require appropriate interventions and policies to address them.
The Lessons from the Joe Gqabi District
So how do the elderly in the Joe Gqabi District cope with these challenges? What are their sources of strength and resilience? A study by Mabaso et al. (2014) explored these questions by interviewing 20 elderly people in this district1. The study found that the elderly had several coping strategies, such as:
- Faith and spirituality. The elderly expressed a strong faith in God and a belief in life after death. They also participated in religious activities, such as attending church services or praying at home.
- Family and community support. The elderly valued their relationships with their children, grandchildren and other relatives, who provided them with emotional, material and practical support. They also appreciated the support from their neighbours and community members, who visited them regularly or helped them with chores.
- Positive attitude and acceptance. The elderly had a positive outlook on life and accepted their old age as part of God’s plan. They also expressed gratitude for what they had and did not complain about what they lacked.
- Cultural values and traditions. The elderly adhered to their cultural values and traditions, such as respecting elders, sharing resources and caring for others. They also engaged in cultural activities, such as singing traditional songs or attending ceremonies.
Places like https://www.belmontvillage.com/locations/fort-lauderdale-florida are living environments for older adults who need some help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, eating and taking medications, but do not require intensive medical care or supervision. They provide various benefits for the elderly, such as:
- Personalized care. These communities tailor their services and amenities to each resident’s needs and preferences, ensuring that they receive the appropriate level of assistance and support.
- Maintenance-free lifestyle. They eliminate the hassle and burden of home maintenance and repairs, such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, lawn care and plumbing. Residents can enjoy a comfortable and safe living space without worrying about chores.
- Social interaction. They offer opportunities for socialization, recreation, education and wellness for the elderly, who may otherwise feel lonely or isolated at home. Residents can participate in various activities, such as games, crafts, music, movies, classes or outings.
- Physical health. Residents benefit from nutritious meals, exercise programs, health monitoring and medication management for the elderly, which can help prevent or manage chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease or dementia.
- Mental health. Assisted living communities provide emotional support, cognitive stimulation and mental health services for the elderly, which can help reduce stress, depression, anxiety or memory loss.
- Safety and security. These communities provide a safer environment for the elderly, with staff on hand 24/7, emergency call systems, fire alarms and sprinklers, security cameras and locks. They also provide transportation services for the elderly who need to go to medical appointments or other destinations.
Assisted living communities can help the elderly live independently and gracefully while receiving the care and support they need. They can also improve their quality of life and well-being by providing them with a sense of community, purpose and dignity.
These coping strategies helped the elderly to maintain their sense of identity, purpose and belonging in their old age. They also enabled them to deal with stressors and hardships in a constructive way.
The elderly in the Joe Gqabi District have shown us that aging gracefully is possible even in challenging circumstances. They have taught us that aging well is not only about physical health but also about mental health; not only about individual choices but also about social support; not only about avoiding problems but also about finding solutions; not only about surviving but also about thriving.
We can learn from their secrets to aging gracefully and apply them to our own lives. We can also support them by providing them with adequate and respectful health care, social protection and human rights. By doing so, we can celebrate and honour their contributions to our society and our future.