Group hosts funfair to help senior citizens age actively

By Ngozi Nwoke

Members of the Reconnect Dynamics Group spent the day dancing, exercising, playing games and reconnecting with old friends at a funfair in Lagos organised to promote active and joyful ageing among senior citizens.

The event, which drew retirees, featured body exercises, traditional games, dancing, and exercise, all held outdoors to encourage fresh air and movement.

The founder of the group, Mrs. Elizabeth Adedeji, said the mission of the funfair was to create a recreational and relaxing experience for the elderly.

“I am very sure that everyone who attended enjoyed themselves. We danced, we exercised, we had a good view of beautiful things at the fabric stands, and we enjoyed enough oxygen, the fresh air in the green park, which is very healthy.

“Most of us enjoy staying in air-conditioned rooms, cars and offices without adequate intake of oxygen, which is essential for healthy living cells. But today we enjoyed ourselves playing games which really enriched the brain. I’m grateful we always have beautiful weather each time we reconnect. I know you will take home something important and educational to live by.”

Abayomi Ogunbekun, a Trustee of the group, said Reconnect was formed after a survey and years of observation by medical practitioners and ministers of God who noticed many elderly people struggling with loneliness and inactivity.

“With our Convener, we sat down and developed a platform where the elderly, those with empty nests, widows and retirees can ask, ‘What next?’ Instead of living a sedentary life, they now have a place to reconnect,” he said.

According to him, the organisation has previously held excursions to Abeokuta, boat cruises, gala nights and an elderly fashion show. At the funfair, the day began with body exercises and body mechanics, followed by games, dancing and laughter.

“Some participants even got a little over-excited and had minor sprains, but they are fine. The goal is to exercise, engage and bring people together.

“We’ve seen beautiful reconnections here. There are people meeting friends they haven’t seen in 30 years. Just today, two guests walked in and immediately recognised a Reverend they knew. They hugged and reconnected on the spot.

“Beyond social activities, we also reconnect people professionally and in most of our programmes we include medical tips and health talks to support their well-being.”

For members, the group has become a new way to approach old age. Mrs. Bose Ogunsanwo, who has been with Reconnect almost from the beginning, said she joined because she did not want to age like her parents.

“Even before Reconnect, some friends and I called ourselves ‘Jolly Travelers.’ We are all in our 70s. When I heard about Reconnect, I said, ‘Why not? Let’s do this,’” she said. “I remember my mom — it was like she never heard anything positive about old age. I decided early that I am going to enjoy old age. And I am.

“I have travelled outside Nigeria for over 50 years, since 1972 during my university days, and even up to last year. But now I’m tired of long trips. When Reconnect started local outings, I enjoyed the trip to Abeokuta. We even went by train. My other travel friends are in the US or UK, but for me, this is it. I’m enjoying it here.”

First-time guest Mrs. Margaret Fasehun described the experience as joyous.

“It’s beautiful to be growing older together and learning from each other,” she said. “When I came in this morning, I saw two elderly people playing ayó. I had played it when I was younger but had forgotten. They taught me again and I really enjoyed it. Dancing has always been something I loved, and I’m glad I can still do it now. I’m based in the diaspora, but anytime I’m in Nigeria, I will make it a point to join Reconnect. It feels good to reconnect, laugh, and enjoy this stage of life.”

Another member, Cessy Ogunnaike, emphasised the importance of staying engaged physically, emotionally and socially.

“To enjoy life, you have to remember what made you happy when you were younger and practice it. That’s when you are reconnecting with yourself,” she said. “You must have your kind of people to form friendships that last. I love dancing and I have a dance group. You can never be too careful with what you eat. I’m in my 70s and I look healthy and strong. And don’t play with exercising. As you get older, if you don’t move your limbs, other parts of the body become weak.”

With Nigeria’s elderly population growing, Reconnect Dynamics says its goal is to replace isolation with the community, and to show that retirement can be a time to learn new things, revive old hobbies, and live well.

The post Group hosts funfair to help senior citizens age actively appeared first on The Sun Nigeria.