Zimbabwe’s Elderly Embrace Fitness in Unconventional Settings

In Zimbabwe, older adults like 65-year-old Nelly Mutandwa exercise at unconventional venues such as cemeteries to manage health issues like diabetes. The rise of noncommunicable diseases is prompting the elderly to seek alternative fitness options amidst a lack of proper facilities. The Commandos Fitness Club serves as a community hub for fitness and support, promoting healthier lifestyles despite the challenges.

At dawn, 65-year-old Nelly Mutandwa dressed for her workout in leggings and sneakers and headed to an unusual gym setting: a cemetery in Harare, Zimbabwe. She participated in an hour of fitness activities, including squats and lunges, alongside other members of the Commandos Fitness Club. This routine helps her manage her diabetes, serving as a vital part of her daily health regimen in a city with few fitness facilities.

As noncommunicable diseases account for about 40% of deaths in Zimbabwe, older citizens like Mutandwa are exercising in unconventional spaces due to the lack of accessible gyms. The World Health Organization predicts that by 2030, noncommunicable diseases, which have begun affecting younger populations as well, will become the leading causes of death in sub-Saharan Africa.

The Commandos Fitness Club is led by Joseph Nekati, inspired by his mother’s stroke in 2023 to establish a free fitness initiative for older adults. It has become a hub for about 20 members, with a noticeable portion being elderly individuals. Mutandwa adopted her fitness habit during a visit to her daughter in the UK and sought a safe alternative to the unsafe walking conditions in her township upon returning home.

Mutandwa discovered the fitness club in the cemetery, which symbolizes a commitment to health and longevity. “They are resting,” she remarked, referring to the graves nearby. “I just don’t want to join them yet. That means I have to do the hard work here.”

In summary, Zimbabwe’s older adults are turning to unconventional exercise venues like cemeteries to combat rising noncommunicable diseases. Groups such as the Commandos Fitness Club facilitate essential fitness activities, addressing both health and safety concerns in their communities. This trend highlights a grassroots response to health challenges exacerbated by limited access to traditional fitness facilities.

Original Source: www.newser.com