STILL PLENTY OF GREAT GAMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE

By Cynthia Radebe

• Seventy-two-year-old Johannes Moeketsi Madilo from the Free State thrilled to be able to compete with participants from across the country at this year’s National Active Ageing Programme in the North West.
• “No matter how old we get, we never really lose our childlike love of fun and games – even as elderly people!” Madilo says.
• Not only are games good for the brain, but they also support the elderly in terms of overall health and wellbeing, Madilo adds.

As the 2025 National Active Ageing celebration of older persons began in the North West province 72-year-old Johannes Moeketsi Madilo from the Free State is gearing up for the 400m event.

Madilo is excited to be able to compete with participants from all nine provinces, who all have the same goal – to keep fit and healthy.

“When I left the mining industry in 2000, I never stopped pursuing my hobby.

“No matter how old we get, we never really lose our childlike love of fun and games – even as elderly people!” he chuckled

“Although we get older, we may not be as mobile as we used to be, but there are still plenty of great games for old people that keep us entertained and challenge our brains.”

Madilo is one of 1 700 senior citizens taking part in the 2025 National Active Ageing Programme taking place in Rustenburg, in the North West, from 18 – 20 February 2025. The event, organised by the Department of Social Development, brings together older persons from across South Africa for a celebration of health, wellness, and lifelong participation.

Madilo heartily agrees. “In fact, not only do games help to keep our brains sharp, but they’re also good for our overall health and wellbeing; whether played alone or in a group,” he said.

He also stressed that young people, who have the energy of youth and new ideas, can assist older persons. “That’s why we need to stay connected to each other.”

He added: “For those of us who live apart, community development is important: working together, talking to each other, debating burning issues that affect us, like climate change, taking joint decisions, and sharing the joys and sorrows of life together.”

Madilo expressed his gratitude to God for the support he gets from his family who encourages him to keep busy with agricultural work, and the sports and fitness clubs in the Tikwana/Hoopstad community.

“However,” he concluded, “winning this marathon would be a great inspiration to older persons not just in our community but to the whole of South Africa. I already feel like a great mentor to both young and old, and I want to become a speaker for sports, culture, and agricultural programmes.”