Maltas Club Namibia Cares for the Elderly in Okafitu Village

Maltas Club Namibia recently joined forces with Shoprite and Dinapama Manufacturing Supplies to care for the elderly in the Okafitu village in the Okwaadluudhi Kingdom in the Omusati Region. Old age is a very crucial phase in the life of all humans. Having carried out various community projects for the past thirteen years, Maltas Club Namibia believes that elderly people need special care and attention to lead a healthy life free of worries and anxiety. The club also learned firsthand that there is no adequate awareness about some of the key behavioral changes associated with old age leading to abuse by their relatives.

The Care for the Elderly day kicked off with storytelling from the various elderly in the village of Okafitu. Shoprite came on board to sponsor this event with health and sanitary products and also one liter of juice for each of the 40 elderly people who were present at this event. The event started with a prayer and religious hymns from the community members. Community activist Ms. Lesla Marius highlighted at the event that within their community there are a reasonable number of elderly people with the Okwaadhluudhi kingdom unmet care and support needs are needed substantially due to the challenges facing the formal and informal care of the elderly in Namibia. At the same event, the community members highlighted to importance of having more meetings and events organized for them where they can share stories on their life tree and also address issues confronting the young people in the community.

This one-day event was indeed an eye-opener as it came to light that elderly people in Namibia need professional advice on self-care strategies, improved communication, and services on how to coordinate and work together, and also lack information as to where they can get support. On a lighter note, the elderly people were treated to a light meal. Maltas Club Namibia intends to host another caring for the elderly event in August 2024 which will be much bigger and better. It is envisaged to make it a two-day event, whereby community members can also be allowed to play indigenous games. The intention of develop models of care and support around the needs of people who are older and also document stories that will keep the spirit and legacy of the community alive long after they are gone.