How shared care and community can make the holidays brighter for everyone.
For many, the festive season is a time of celebration, togetherness and reflection. For some, it can feel fraught with stress and tension from the pressure of trying to accommodate and please loved ones.
For those in the ‘sandwich generation’ of their lives, attempting to support both young families and ageing parents, it’s a time of intense logistical and emotional juggling. Between family get-togethers, holiday plans and festive traditions, the worry of making sure our elderly loved ones are safe and cared for can weigh heavily.
For Trans-50 administrator Lidia Erasmus, that feeling is something she understands both professionally and personally. Lidia works at Trans-50 head office, and her mother has been a long-standing resident at Witfield Park Village in Boksburg for the past 17 years. Having experienced both sides of the coin, as a family member and employee, she describes having a parent live in a community setting like Witfield Park, as providing peace of mind for families.
While acknowledging that the decision to move a parent into a retirement setting can feel daunting, she encourages those looking after their ageing families to reframe this decision as one made from love and support. Feelings of guilt are common, but Lidia knows how much the typical model of retirement villages has changed over the years, saying, “They’re lively communities filled with activities and friendships. Residents often have such full calendars that you need to make an appointment just to catch them at home!”
Moving into a phase of life that allows individuals to slow down and release them from the obligations of running a home is often a relief for residents once they have settled into their surroundings. It’s about helping your family members make a new space for themselves in a warm environment that values independence, dignity and joy.
Her advice to families navigating the festive season is to include older parents in holiday plans and focus on meaningful moments. “Ask them what they would enjoy. Sometimes it’s not the big event that matters most, but the small moments of connection. A shared meal or a quiet cup of tea.” Lidia continues, “For those who live far away, take heart in the fact that a reliable care facility has a team on-site willing to help its residents feel happy and forge new connections.”
Far from being a quiet or lonely place, life in assisted communities like that at Witfield Park is filled with positive energy and strong bonds. Particularly over the festive season! The line dancing group hosts an annual concert for residents and families, and other activities include sing-alongs in the Care Centre, a Carols by Candlelight event, intergenerational visits such as children from the local nursery school children and even a festive movie every day in the lead-up to Christmas.
“Last year, a sponsor helped us host a Christmas lunch for 100 independent residents, and the same is planned again this year,” Lidia says. “Families are always welcome to join, which makes the day even more meaningful.”
For those feeling worried they are not doing enough when the season of giving feels more ‘stressed than blessed’, here are some top tips to bear in mind:
- Your family doesn’t need curated gifts or perfect moments; they need you to be present. Be intentional and totally in the moment.
- Rest is not a reward or an act of self-care; it’s essential maintenance. Think of it like petrol for a vehicle, it simply can’t run on empty.
- You cannot manage everything on your own. Allow the staff at the care facility to support you during the busy festive season.
- Go easy on yourself. You deserve the same compassion you allow everyone else.
- Be mindful. A hug and a ‘thank you’ go a long way for staff dedicating their time to make the season brighter for your loved ones.
For many adult children, especially those living far away, knowing their parents are surrounded by a caring community brings deep reassurance. In South Africa, many ageing parents may feel lost with children and grandchildren living in far-flung cities, or even other countries. Having a warm environment and a full social calendar offers residents a renewed sense of purpose and vigour.
Namate gesondheidsorgkoste wêreldwyd styg, veral vir ouer volwassenes, is dit belangriker as ooit tevore om ʼn gesonde leefstyl te handhaaf. Verouderende bevolkings dra aansienlik by tot die styging in uitgawes vir mediese sorg, hospitalisasies en langtermynversorging, wat ’n groot las plaas op familiehulpbronne sowel as nasionale gesondheidsorgstelsels. Mense ouer as 55 jaar verbruik meer as die helfte van totale gesondheidsuitgawes, met koste wat skerp styg met die toename in ouderdom.
Deur gesonde gewoontes, insluitend konsekwente fisiese aktiwiteit, gebalanseerde voeding, en voorkomende sorg, kan ouer volwassenes die aanvang van gestremdheid en kroniese siektes aansienlik vertraag. Hierdie proaktiewe benadering behou nie net onafhanklikheid en lewenskwaliteit nie, maar verminder ook die behoefte aan duur mediese ingrepe en langtermynversorging.
Die voorkoming van gestremdheid met veroudering behels ’n kombinasie van leefstylkeuses en proaktiewe gesondheidsbestuur wat fisieke, geestelike en sosiale welstand ondersteun. Navorsing toon dat die aanneming van gesonde gedrag die risiko van funksionele agteruitgang aansienlik kan verminder en langer onafhanklikheid bevorder. Die volgende faktore is geïdentifiseer om gesonde veroudering te bevorder en gestremdheid te minimaliseer.
Fisiese Aktiwiteit en Spierkrag
Die handhawing van gereelde fisieke aktiwiteit is een van die belangrikste faktore vir die voorkoming van gestremdheid. Oefeninge, insluitend uithouvermoë, krag, balans en buigsaamheid, verbeter mobiliteit, verminder val risiko en help om spiermassa te bewaar. Navorsing van die Nasionale Instituut van Veroudering se Baltimore Longitudinale Studie op Veroudering toon dat matige tot intensiewe fisieke aktiwiteit sterk korreleer met beter spierfunksie en ʼn laer risiko van gestremdheid, ongeag ouderdom. Oefeninge soos stap, tai chi en kragoefeninge verbeter koördinasie en voorkom broosheid. Sleutel fisiese aktiwiteite wat laer gestremdheid voorspel sluit in:
Loopspoed
Loopspoed, dikwels gemeet met die “Timed Up and Go” toets (TUG), is een van die sterkste voorspellers van toekomstige gestremdheid. Dit weerspieël nie net loopspoed nie, maar ook spierkrag en balans wat krities is vir daaglikse funksionering. Stadiger loopspoed hou ’n beduidende verband met ’n hoër risiko van beperkings in daaglikse lewensaktiwiteite (ADL).
Duur van Matige tot Intense Fisieke Aktiwiteit (MVPA)
Die aantal minute per week wat ’n individu betrokke is by matige tot intense fisieke aktiwiteit (soos vinnige stap of fietsry) is ’n belangrike voorspeller. Navorsing dui aan dat ongeveer 55-56 minute per week van MVPA optimaal is om gestremdheidvry te bly oor jare.
Handgreepkrag
Handgreepkrag is ’n praktiese maatstaf van algehele spierkrag en hou verband met ’n laer risiko van gestremdheid. Swakker handgreepkrag voorspel swakker funksionele uitkomste, insluitend ’n hoër risiko van mobiliteit- en selfversorgingsbeperkings.
Balans- en Funksionele Toetse
Toetse soos om jou balans te kan hou, sit- en staanbewegings, sowel as kortafstandstap toon ook voorspellingswaarde vir vroeë opsporing van gestremdheid.
Gebalanseerde Voeding en Gesonde Liggaamsgewig
Die eet van ’n voedingstowwe-ryk dieet, soos die Mediterreense dieet, help om kroniese siektes soos diabetes en hartsiektes wat met gestremdheid verband hou, te voorkom. ’n Gebalanseerde inname van vrugte, groente, lae-vet proteïene en gesonde vette ondersteun brein- en fisiese gesondheid.
Kognitiewe oefening en Psigiese gesondheid
Hou jou brein aktief deur nuwe vaardighede aan te leer, te lees of legkaarte te bou om agteruitgang te vertraag en die risiko van gestremdheid geassosieer met demensie te verminder. Kombinasies van fisieke aktiwiteit, voeding en psigiese gesondheid kan jou risiko vir Alzheimer’s se siekte met 60% verminder.
Voorkomende Gesondheidsorg en Bestuur van Kroniese Siektes
Roetine besoeke aan ʼn geneesheer, en die bestuur van bloeddruk, diabetes en ander kroniese toestande is noodsaaklik vir die voorkoming van gestremdheid. Intensiewe bestuur van bloeddruk kan breinveroudering vertraag en die risiko van kognitiewe inkorting verminder.
Sosiale Verbintenis en Emosionele Welstand
Sterk sosiale bande en emosionele ondersteuning verbeter veerkragtigheid en moedig gesonde gedrag aan. Gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid verminder depressie en bevorder funksionele onafhanklikheid.
Hierdie gekombineerde faktore ondersteun gesonde veroudering deur funksionaliteit en lewenskwaliteit te behou, afhanklikheid te verminder en lewensduur te bevorder. Begin of hou aan om hierdie gesonde gewoontes te beoefen.
Key Strategies for Older Adults
As healthcare costs soar globally, particularly for older adults, the urgency to adopt healthy living and regular exercise grows stronger than ever. Ageing populations contribute significantly to escalating expenditures in medical care, hospitalisations, and long-term frail care services, placing immense strain on both family resources and national healthcare systems. For instance, people aged 55 and older account for over half of total health spending despite being less than a third of the population, with costs rising steeply with age.
By embracing healthy habits, including consistent physical activity, balanced nutrition, and preventive care, older adults can substantially delay the onset of disability and chronic diseases. This proactive approach not only preserves independence and quality of life but also significantly reduces the need for costly medical interventions and frail care.
Preventing disability as we age involves a combination of lifestyle choices and the proactive management of our health that supports physical, mental, and social well-being. Research consistently shows that adopting healthy behaviours can significantly reduce the risk of functional decline and promote longer independence. The following factors have been identified to promote healthy ageing to minimise and prevent disability.
Physical Activity and Muscle Strength
Maintaining regular physical activity is one of the most important factors for preventing disability. Exercise, including endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility training, improves mobility, reduces fall risk, and preserves muscle mass. Research from the National Institute on Aging’s Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging shows that moderate to vigorous physical activity strongly correlates with better muscle function and lower disability risk regardless of age. Exercises like walking, tai chi, and strength training enhance coordination and prevent frailty. The best physical activity measures that predict lower disability in older adults, according to longitudinal studies, include:
Gait Speed
Gait speed, often assessed by the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, is one of the strongest predictors of future disability. It reflects not only walking speed but also strength and balance, which are critical for daily functioning. Studies show that slower gait speed is significantly associated with a higher risk of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) disability.
Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA) Duration
Weekly minutes spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (such as brisk walking, cycling) is another key predictor. Research identifies thresholds around 55-56 minutes per week of MVPA to maintain disability-free status over several years, indicating sustained exercise intensity matters.
Hand Grip Strength
Grip strength is a practical measure of overall muscle strength and correlates with lower disability risk. Weaker grip strength predicts poorer functional outcomes, including a higher likelihood of mobility and self-care limitations.
Balance and Functional Tests
Tests like standing balance, multiple sit-to-stands, and short-distance walking speed also show predictive value for early disability detection. These reflect stability and lower limb strength that is vital for independent living.
Balanced Nutrition and Healthy Body Weight
Eating a nutrient-rich diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, helps prevent chronic diseases associated with disability, like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A balanced intake of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats supports brain and physical health. Studies demonstrate that managing portion size and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption contribute to better ageing outcomes.
Cognitive Engagement and Mental Health
Keeping the brain active through learning new skills, reading, or puzzles may delay cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia-related disability. Observational studies also show that combining physical activity, diet, and mental stimulation can lower Alzheimer’s risk by up to 60%.
Preventive Healthcare and Managing Chronic Conditions
Routine health screenings, managing blood pressure, diabetes, and other chronic conditions are critical to preventing disability. Clinical trials suggest that intensive blood pressure management can slow brain ageing and reduce the risk of cognitive impairment.
Social Connection and Emotional Wellbeing
Strong social ties and emotional support improve resilience and encourage healthy behaviours. Community engagement lowers depression and promotes functional independence, which is essential to reducing disability.
These combined evidence-based factors support healthy ageing by preserving function and quality of life, reducing dependency, and fostering longevity. Starting or continuing these habits at any age improves one’s chances of a disability-free later life.
For too long, the idea of a ‘retirement home’ has carried the image of living a slower life. Today, a growing number of South Africans over 60 are flipping that idea on its head. Trans-50 is helping to effect this change through our five vibrant lifestyle villages across the country in Gauteng, Kimberley, Pretoria, Bloemfontein, and Cape Town.
Rather than being seen as a last resort, our communities are designed to offer freedom, flexibility, and dignified living for over-60’s, while removing the pressures of home ownership. For many, this is not about ‘slowing down’ but rather about choosing lifestyle over limits.
Knowing when to downsize
One of the most common turning points for individuals is when the family home starts to feel too vast, empty, or costly. “When a house and the garden become too big, that’s often the first sign,” says Ernest Nagel, a resident at Trans-50’s Acacia Park in Kimberley. He explains that rising maintenance costs can eat away at a person’s savings and energy, ultimately leading to a strain on resources.
Others may make this decision once their children have left home, leaving a space that feels more like a burden than a haven. Another resident, Henry Janse van Vuuren, from Panorama Palms, puts it simply: “There is no real right time, but the sooner the better after the age of 55, once your children leave the house and it becomes an effort to maintain the big space.”
Both residents agree that a common misconception is that moving into a community village is something reserved for older generations. In reality, making the transition earlier often opens up opportunities to live fully while you still have great energy.
Why earlier is better
Moving into a lifestyle community earlier allows residents to enjoy the best of both worlds: independence and support. Our villages are designed with the community at the heart of the plans under the care of skilful staff, with a lot to participate in: library, common interest groups, gyms, and social events.
Ernest adds that these connections are easier to build while you’re younger and socially active. “You easily form part of a community that looks out and cares for each other.”
Henry agrees: “You adapt easily to your new living circumstances and get involved in the social activities at an earlier age.”
Both Trans-50 residents highlight the peace of mind they have knowing that health care and support services are on hand when needed, but not imposed.
Lifestyle benefits that aid your finances
The financial advantages of downsizing are another plus factor that can’t be ignored. Village homes, particularly Life Right units, remove the worry of unpredictable maintenance costs. “You no longer have to worry about rising maintenance costs when you opt for a Life Right unit. The Village takes care of maintenance at their expense,” says Ernest.
Henry adds that moving earlier can also be a sound investment decision, noting, “You save money on the purchase by doing it earlier, as prices are always rising in community villages. Getting in early means you will have more capital to live off.”
Top four questions to ask before moving
- What lifestyle amenities are available?
- What are the different living options, and how flexible is the move between them?
- How does the Life Right model or pricing structure work?
- What support services are included, and how do they balance independence with assistance?
Your home. Your pace. Your support
Perhaps the greatest shift is in redefining what life in these communities looks like. Far from feeling isolated, residents describe bustling calendars of activities, opportunities for volunteering and the joy of being surrounded by like-minded peers.
“You will form part of a community,” Ernest says, “and when you age, you will already be among people you know.” That sense of belonging, coupled with the safety of secure villages and personalised support, provides emotional reassurance for both residents and their families.
For many, choosing to move at 60 is not about ‘slowing down’ but about taking control of the next chapter of life, one that’s filled with friendship, purpose, and freedom from the stress of looking after a large property.
For many South Africans entering their 50s and 60s, the choice is no longer about retirement, but about lifestyle, and the message is increasingly clear. Life doesn’t end at 60; it starts there.
Deciding on that special place to satisfy your needs in older age is probably one of the most important decisions you will make, but how does one go about finding the perfect retirement spot? Find out how here.
Much research has been done on the course and cause of Alzheimer’s disease, yet it is only once you care for someone with the disease that you become aware of the devastating grasp of this monster. Dementia is an umbrella term for a variety of subtypes of neurocognitive disorders, of which Alzheimer’s disease is most prevalent. Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia are of increasing relevance as populations are ageing globally and the age-related nature of Alzheimer’s disease means that the incidence of the condition is increasing. Alzheimer’s disease presents with a variety of challenges, not just for the person with the disease, but for those providing care.
Kitwood (1997), a social psychologist, reiterates the importance of using a holistic approach to the management of dementia as there is great interplay between the neurological damage and the psychosocial environment. The psychosocial environment and our care approach have a direct influence on the wellbeing of the person with dementia.
Understanding the person with Alzheimer’s disease is crucial, whether treating an unrelated problem or treating symptoms of the disease directly. Trans-50 focuses on the following aspects that are vital to providing special care to persons with the disease: the environment, knowledge of the person, purposeful engagement and mindfulness.
At Trans-50 it is of utmost importance to us to firstly understand who the person behind the disease is. This includes an initial person-centred care assessment to establish past and present likes, dislikes, routines, favourite meals, hobbies, experiences, skills and interests. Understanding the biography and history of the person allows us a greater understanding of the individual.
Kitwood refers to this concept as “personhood” which is defined as “a standing or a status that is bestowed upon one human being, by others” and implies recognition, respect and trust. This forms the cornerstone of our approach toward being able to provide support services and care for a person with dementia.
Secondly, people with dementia need an environment that allows easy access, familiar objects and adequate wayfinding which in turn encourages independence and autonomy. When creating dementia enabling environment, aspects such as lighting, colour, signage, accessibility, familiarity and safety should be paramount, including an allowance for sensory enhancement and participation. The environment should entice the older adult to continue participating in activities of daily living, for example, washing up of dishes, cleaning and cooking or baking. These skills and abilities remain long after the onset of the disease and should be encouraged. Forming part of our enabling environment is multisensory rooms (MSR) or environments which allow residents to relax or interact with and control the elements within the room. It creates a sense of control and allows the person with dementia or the person with a disability, to change and influence their environment in a positive way. Although research on the use of MSR in elder care is limited, we have experienced that this environment can improve a person’s mood, have a calming effect on those experiencing aggression, anxiety or disruptive behaviour and improve communication and enhance interpersonal interactions.
To support the concept of purposeful participation, it is important to know the person behind dementia – and that is what person-centred care is all about. Engagement in activities that are purposeful, allows people to feel good about themselves, brings meaning and purpose and helps them to experience a sense of belonging. People with dementia can engage in activities in different ways and at various levels. Activities are adapted to suit the functional level of the person involved. Activities range from gardening, baking, pet interactions, exercise, crafts, doll therapy, music therapy, volunteering and many, many more.
The most important aspect of providing dementia care is to embrace and practise being mindful. Mindfulness is the act of focussing on the present and being conscious and aware of what is happening in that given moment while also accepting your own feelings and thoughts. Mindfulness allows us to focus on the individual and often the lucidness that may be experienced in a single moment and acknowledge the persons’ current experiences and emotions, allowing them to feel validated. Validation allows us to connect with the person with dementia and places emphasis on the emotional aspects of conversations and less on the factual content or correctness thereof. By validating the person, you show respect for the person and his/her feelings. It is of great importance to validate a person with dementia, allowing them to feel heard, acknowledged and valued, rather than dismissed, marginalised or slotted into a general routine of one size fits all. Validation is closely linked to mindfulness and rather than attempting to deter or ignore irrational behaviour, it allows us to be present and accept without asking why.
Providing care to residents with dementia requires us to join them in their reality, rather than diverting them back to ours. By entering the world of the person with dementia we can assist in reducing the immense feeling of anxiety, allowing the person to experience a sense of security, empathy and trust.
In conclusion, remember to provide dementia training and support to your care employees. This will include the rotation of staff to prevent burnout within the care environment. Staff partake in fun activities and should also be mindful of their tolerance threshold and communicate openly with management when they suspect they might be suffering from caregiver burnout. An inviting, warm and comfortable staff room, away from the unit, allows staff to re-energise during break times. We also encourage employees and family to spend some time relaxing in the sensory room to soft music or a darkened room to dull the senses and create a more relaxed environment.
Christi Louw
National Care Director
