River Park Clinic empowers community through healthy lifestyle event

A healthy lifestyle event, at River Park Clinic, gave residents insights about prioritising their health amid everyday challenges, reminding attendees that wellness is within reach for all, regardless of resources or age.

The event, held on Friday, was organised by the City of Johannesburg’s Region E health and social development department, and brought elderly residents together at the clinic to commemorate healthy lifestyle month. Attendees took part in a 5km fun walk through the Lombardy suburb, looping back to the clinic.

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Velisha Thompson, representing the Region E health department, celebrated the strong participation from older community members, while noting an opportunity to engage more youth, particularly the unemployed. “We had quite a good turnout, especially from the senior citizens. We are trying to empower and encourage our senior citizens, as well as the youth, to live a healthy lifestyle.”

Thompson stressed that healthy living doesn’t demand luxury or expense. “A healthy lifestyle does not mean going to fancy gyms. It actually means that you can do simple things, like taking a walk or doing aerobics, which we have done today. So, we try to show the community that walks together is just as good as going to a gym.”

She shared nutrition advice with attendees, emphasising that locals don’t have to go out of their way and budget to buy healthy food at organic markets. She said they can grow their own vegetables, like cabbages, potatoes, and sweet potatoes, and opt for affordable proteins, such as beans, lentils, and canned fish, when meat prices rise.

Furthermore, Thompson said mental health is also an important aspect of a healthy lifestyle.

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She encouraged residents to manage their stress through at-home practices, like meditation or yoga, and urged them to seek support when needed. “Speak to someone, seek help if you need. We have a clinic on 18th Avenue. If you need a referral, you can come to one of our facilities, we will refer you.” She added that residents should also find ways to improve their quality of sleep.

Maureen Maubane, founder of the Tlhaka La Ntswika Project, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative and its impact. “We came here to River Park to celebrate healthy lifestyle awareness month. We are really excited.”

She said, although some elderly citizens don’t take exercising seriously, events like this can shift attitudes.

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