Healthy Aging

One experiences an increasing number of changes as they grow older, major changes such as retirement, maybe the loss of loved ones, and of course physical changes of aging.

The key to aging well is how you handle these changes. Aging healthily is about staying physically healthy and maintaining a sense of purpose and a zest for life. There are a few basics which can help for aging well, even though it is not the same for everyone, but knowing the basics will help a person to live a meaningful and joyful life throughout their senior lives.

It`s difficult to cope with change at any age, and there are many challenges for older people when they lose friends and family, a career, or even health and independence. With the inclusion of positive ingredients into one`s life, coping and aging is that much easier.

One has to reinvent themselves by finding new things to enjoy, learning to adapt to change, staying physically and socially active and being connected to one`s surroundings and loved ones.

Old age does not have to mean poor health and disability. There are many older adults who enjoy vigorous health, and there are preventive measures such as healthy eating, exercising and managing stress that can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and the risk of falls later in life.

There are things one can do to keep the memory sharp, and avoid or delay significant memory loss. The more you use and sharpen your brain, the more benefits you will get. You can try crosswords, cooking new recipes, variations on things you already enjoy, perhaps more challenging ones, new word games etc.

The elderly are capable of learning new things, it`s important for them to believe in themselves and have confidence and a positive attitude.

There are things in life which are beyond our control, difficult as it might be, those are the things we have to accept, and rather than create stress over these things, one should focus on the more positive things, the ones that you can do something about, because the way you react to problems is the key. There are some limitations as one grows older, but accept them with a great sense of humour, and also with dignity. Find interest in the things around you and expand on that, or start up with a hobby, going for a walk, and learn at least one small thing every day.

Meals on Wheels help countless elderly people by providing nutritious, cooked meals to those who cannot fend for themselves.

Fun and Laughter in Old Age

With an old age population on the rise, we need to take a good look at how we can enrich the lives of these seniors, and remove the picture from our minds of an elderly sitting in a chair knitting all day (nothing wrong with the activity – but all day?) or snoring out of sheer boredom.

These elderly people can still enjoy interacting with others, and one is inclined to leave them out when they don`t hear as well as they used to, or aren`t as exciting and interesting as other company might be.

We all need fun and laughter in our lives, but sadly so many elders are inactive, have no enthusiasm for life and feel left out it. Yes, we no doubt provide all the physical needs, like a comfortable bed, food and warmth, but do we see to their emotional needs? Maybe if we have an elder living in our home, we might want to keep her out of our kitchen for example not thinking that perhaps she misses being able to see to the odd meal, even if only for herself. She has probably catered for her family for so many years and it is difficult to relinquish that independence. It`s a big mistake to say that they have done their share and should now take it easy. Let them gauge how much they can do without being tired out too much.

Our way of thinking towards the elderly has to change, and we should work towards a better quality of life. The elderly are a very important part of family life and we should include them in as many activities as possible.

Music is very uplifting and whilst the different generations in the house may have varied taste in music, have a time when each one has a choice of music to listen to, and one can even include physical movements or dance in time to the music, which can also create a lot of fun and laughter. Physical activity, especially if it is fun, is great for an elder (or any age) and it helps to keep one happy and the mind alert.

A happy person is generally a healthier person, and so if in old age one can keep active with hobbies, perhaps with making a collage or scrap booking, doing puzzles, crossword puzzles to keep the mind alert, going for walks etc it would surely benefit the entire family and enrich their lives.

Perhaps one could also include an elder when planning meals, find out if there is any particular choice of meal that they would fancy, and include their input when preparing a shopping list.

Meals on Wheels are committed to providing the elderly with nutritional, cooked meals when they do not have the resources to fend for themselves.

Indulging with Nutrition

Indulging with nutrition sounds rather conflicting, does it not?

We all know how important it is to follow a wonderfully healthy eating plan, for that feeling of vitality and zest for life, but all too often we fall off the wagon with that incredible indulgence that leaves us feeling rather guilty and naughty.

Well here is a healthy recipe which should whet that appetite for something scrumptious, without leaving that `low’ feeling afterwards at having let ourselves down for wanting something really different and delicious.

200g butter , softened

200g Nature’s Choice Fructose

4 free-range eggs

75g Nature’s Choice Almonds –ground finely

100g Nature’s Choice Gluten Free Self Raising Flour

250g mashed potatoes zest 3 lemons

2 tsp Nature’s Choice Baking powder

Drizzle: 5 tbsp Nature’s Choice Fructose juice of 3 lemons

Heat oven to 180°C.

Butter and line a deep, 20cm round cake tin.

Beat the fructose and butter together until light and fluffy, then gradually add the egg, beating after each addition.

Fold in the GF Self Raising Flour, almonds, cold mashed potato, lemon zest and baking powder.

Tip into the tin (or jumbo muffin tins for individual cakes) level the top, then bake for 40-45 mins or until golden and a skewer inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean.

Turn out onto a wire rack after 10 minutes cooling.

Bring the fructose and the lemon juice to the boil and simmer for 2 minutes, then spoon over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides.

Let the cake cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy with good health.

How to Select the Right Old Age Home

Selecting an old age home is more important than choosing a new house or any kind of apartment for oneself, as moving into an old age home or assisted living residence involves the many different characters who are already living there, as well as the staff concerned.

One needs to make regular visits to these establishments at different times of the day to be able to acquire an accurate impression of the facility. One can certainly start off with brochures or any information that one can collect of the various facilities, and from that point decide which ones would be worth visiting for a proper evaluation.

Elderly people need to feel comfortable and live in a pleasant atmosphere, so it is advisable to talk to the staff and ask as many questions as you possibly can, and also to talk to the residents. One can certainly get a general impression of how satisfied or happy the existing residents are. Remember that the attitude and appearance of the staff are very important, and one can decide whether they are warm, caring and efficient, or whether they are there simply to receive their pay cheque.

The elderly look forward to their meals, and one needs to find out what kind of meals are served, ensuring that the nutrition is adequate and that there is variety and good presentation, and whether the menu has been approved by a professional dietician. For those who have particular dietary needs, whether the staff are prepared to meet those needs as well.

Cleanliness is vital, take note of odour, and the bathrooms need to be inspected to ensure that bathing or showering is made as convenient as possible for any disabilities, providing hand rails etc. Take note of the appearance of the residents, whether grooming appears to be important in their daily lives.

Elderly people need to be allowed to have family and friends visiting, and whether these visits are restricted, and to what times.

Are they allowed to bring their own motor car, and whether they would be able to go out as often as they wish, provided of course that they inform staff of their intentions regarding whereabouts and times etc. A certain amount of independence can be vital to an elder`s well being.

Most assisted living establishments provide outings, enquire about these, as to how often and what sort of entertainment and activities are provided. Socialising, and with sufficient activities, keeps an elder uplifted and gives them a feeling that they are living worthwhile lives.

Personal belongings are important and it is advisable to find out exactly what and how much a resident would be allowed to bring, and whether, if the establishment is furnished, they are allowed to include any items of their own. Find out whether they are allowed to have a telephone or television, for instance in the bedroom if one is not provided.

Is the establishment close to all amenities, and whether there is in-house medical attention available as well as medical facilities for the more serious conditions that may arise.

Perhaps a resident would like to have the convenience of having access to a kitchen, maybe even to use a refrigerator.

Safety is of utmost importance, and one needs to know if there are intercoms or panic buttons provided in the rooms, with twenty four hour emergency response,and whether exits are clearly marked and accessible.

Check the ventilation, whether rooms are well air conditioned, and also providing enough warmth in winter.

Religious facilities are usually important to an elder, and one does need to find out which ones are available, or whether transport is provided to attend an outside facility.

Of course cost is of great importance, and one needs to enquire as to what increases have been made over recent years, and assess whether the establishment would be affordable with likely increases in the future. One also needs to establish exactly what services are included in the monthly cost, and which services would be considered as an `extra’.

Take your time in choosing a suitable establishment, there are so many things to consider towards making the right choice.

Visit Meals on Wheels which is a non-profit organisation that delivers nutritious meals to those who cannot fend for themselves.

South African communities abroad

SAUSA Forums is a forum for South Africans in the USA.

South African communities abroad

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Feeling a bit out of it? Want to connect with some people who know where you're coming from? Get some community away from home? Check out our directory of websites, clubs, societies, newsletters and e-magazines for South Africans living abroad.

* Worldwide

* United States of America

* Canada

* Australia

* New Zealand

* United Kingdom & Ireland

* Europe

* Asia & the Middle East

WORLDWIDE

* AfrikaansChat.com is 'n Suid Afrikaanse gemeenskap webtuiste - kom gesels Afrikaans!

* GlobalBuzz SAffers provides information, and a way to connect via forums and live chat, for anyone with an interest in South Africa, regardless of their nationality or country of residence.

* Homecoming Revolution is a non-profit organisation aimed at encouraging and helping South Africans living abroad to return home.

* RainbowNation.com is the international South African's online community.

* RSA-Overseas is a portal for South Africans living overseas.

* Slapchipsoffers comprehensive links to South African clubs, businesses and more, across the world.

* SA Promo Magazine is aimed at South Africans abroad. It is also on Facebook and Twitter.

* SA Reunited is a South African site for tracking down your long-lost school and varsity friends - both those at home and overseas.

* South Africans WorldWide - "Your home from home". Community-based website boasting nearly 22 000 members from 155 countries. Services (including legal & travel advice), online store, weekly newsletter & more. Free compulsory registration.

* Vriende.Com is 'n wêreldwye Suid Afrikaanse konneksie.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

* African Hut has the largest online selection of South African foods and groceries in the United States. They ship to anywhere in the country.

* AmaBoston is for South Africans in Boston, Massachusetts.

* Braai Connection is a social and networking club that organizes braais, adventure trips and concerts in southern California and central Florida, and offers a quarterly newsletter for all southern Africans in North America.

* Braai News is a social club in Tampa, Florida, that offers braai get-togethers and a regular newsletter.

* New York New Jersey Springbok Club meets twice a month and hosts three braais a year. Check out their schedule on the website.

* Out of Africa Club operates out of Seattle, Washington and serves ex-patriates in the Pacific Northwest. Its activities include social (picnics, braais, and wine tasting), information (lectures and speakers), and sponsorship (hosting Southern African visitors, dignitaries, and sports people).

* SA Colorado serves fellow and ex-South Africans, whether living in or only visiting Colorado.

* SAUSA Forums is a forum for South Africans in the USA with lots of useful information relating to a wide variety of subjects. Well worth a visit.

* South African American Business Club - Networking and business development forum for business professionals with South African connections living and working in the US.

* South African Chamber of Commerce in America is a not-for-proft organisation dedicated to the encouragement, facilitation and expansion of business, trade, tourism and investments opportunties between South Africa and the Americas, and to promote sustainable economic growth and job creation.

* South Africans Dallas Fort Worth is a site to inform those that live in the Dallas, Fort Worth metroplex and beyond for networking, socializing and support for Southern Africans.

* South Africans in Austin arranges social events for South Africans living in the Austin area.

* South Africans in Charlotte - Club that brings together South Africans living in both North and South Carolina

* South African Expat Social Club, San Diego, California arranges events and activities such as winery tours, sports activities, social nights, braais, getaway tours, comedy, parties, live music and restaurant outings.

* South African Club, Jacksonville, Florida is a non-profit, social organization for all South Africans and their friends living in North East Florida.

* South Africans in Indiana

* South Africans Northwest provides general information for South Africans and a place to interact.

* The Texaspotjie Festival is a well-established weekend of fun for all the family, South African style. Naturally food is an important part of the festival and competitions include The Best in Texas Boerewors contest, as well as the Texas Potjie Cook-off. There is even a church service on Sunday morning...in Afrikaans!

* Yebo Magazine is a magazine for expatriots and published in the United States. It is available through subscription, including as an E-Magazine.

CANADA

* Canada Coffee Club - An online bistro for immigrants coming to Canada.

* Canadian Council of South Africans works with the High Commissioner for South Africa to encourage the growth of a vibrant and united South African community in Canada.

* SACanada Forums is a discussion forum for prospective and existing South African Immigrants to Canada.

* South Africans in Calgary

* South Africans in Nova Scotiais for Southern Africans, their spouses, partners and children and friends living in the Maritimes.

* South Africans in Ontario

AUSTRALIA

* AfricanOz - African-Australian online resource carrying news, features, what's on, resources and links relating to Africans of diverse backgrounds in Australia.

* Africa Club of Queensland is primarily a social vehicle for folk with links to Africa.

* Afrikaanse Klub Australia includes a newsletter and an events calendar and also has a Facebook page for up to date information.

* SAAustralia Forums is a discussion forum for prospective and existing South African Immigrants to Australia.

* SAbona is a magazine for South Africans in Australia.

* SATOOZ stands for "SA to OZ" and is an online store that supplies South African goodies to people all around Australia and the world.

* South Africans in Adelaide is a group of friends who have a common interest in South Africa. They have either lived in South Africa or have some passion for the country. They also have a Facebook page.

* South African Social Club Sydney

NEW ZEALAND

* Afrikaanse Klub in Nieu-Seeland offers, among other things, offers Southern African immigrants support, including social networks, cultural activities, and business networks.

* Savannah Promotions - Organises social events for expat South Africans and Zimbabweans.

* South Africans in New Zealand offers new immigrants from Southern Africa an opportunity to organise groups and activities that will improve their social and professional life in New Zealand.

* Sinzasa - South Island New Zealand Association of Southern Africans

* The South African Shop online. The shop proper is located in Browns Bay, Auckland, but food, wine, music and DVDs may be purchased online.

UNITED KINGDOM & IRELAND

* Aardvark - South African pub, sports, and music venue.

* BuySAfrica - South African pub, sports, and music venue.

* Don't Stay in - South Africans in London provides great information on what's happening, including a special section for South Africans in London.

* AfricaUK - Everything African in the UK. News, entertainment, business, networking, discussion forums, listings of African organisations and service providers based in the UK.

* Black Pepper - Provides entertainment for South Africans in the UK.

* Community Heart - Manchester-based charity focused on health, education and reconstruction projects in South Africa, needing volunteers.

* African South - Portal and forum for Saffers in the UK.

* Ireland South Africa Business Association is a non-profit organisation that promotes trade and commerce between Ireland and South Africa..

* Jislaaik - Portal for South African expats offering news, jobs, e-mail, a dating service and more.

* London South Africa Rugby Football Club

* Radio SA - Radio station for South African expats, broadcast from London. Listen online.

* SA Business Club - Allows South Africans and those with South African connections to network and pool resources.

* Sanza - A site for Sanzas (South Africans, Kiwis and Aussies) living in the UK.

* SA PROMO - Platform for South African businesses, whether based in SA or the UK, to promote their products and services to the South African market in the UK.

* SA PROMO Magazine - SA Promo's magazine for South Africans abroad.

* SASI Events is a networking group, made up predominantly, but not exclusively, of South African professionals living in UK. It also has a Facebook page.

* SA Times - the number one newspaper for the South African community in the UK and Europe.

* SA Wines Online is UK-based and offers a wide variety of wines, spirits, liqueurs, and beers for online purchase.

* Slapchips - A comprehensive directory of South African-owned businesses in the UK and across the world.

* Table Mountain Foods provides top quality South African food and lifestyler products online, for delivery all around Ireland.

* The Africa Centre - The heart of Africa in the heart of London

* The Savanna , a provider of South African food, has seven shops in London and all the food is available online.

* The South African - Another free newspaper, read by an estimated 80 000 South Africans throughout the UK and Europe.

* The South African Shop offers a wide choice of South Africa goods for order online, ranging from food and drink to arts and crafts, books, memorabilia and more.

* WORKgateways - Helps organise engineering, town planning, construction, nursing and other jobs in the UK for travellers from South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

* Yebo Africa - Cheap phone calls from the UK to South African landlines and mobiles, and to Zimbabwean landlines.

EUROPE

* Die Spens, in the Netherlands, supplies South African beverages, foods, sauces, spices, and even potjie pots. It is located near Amersfoort, but if you can't make it there they also accepts online orders.

* Cyprus for South Africans is for all South African Cypriots who live in Cyprus and for those that intend to settle in Cyprus in the future.

* Doringboom - Afrikaanstalige skakel in Berlyn, Duitsland (also in English).

* Finland South Africa Association works to promote contacts between Finnish and South African individuals, as well as organisations, and to spread information about the South African population, culture and economy.

* Friends of South Africa - Austria functions as a sounding board and a mouthpiece for all aspects of South African culture and promotes South African interests in Austria. Conversely, FoSA provides information about Austria to South Africans, both within Austria and abroad.

* Luso-SouthAfricans.com - Brings together the Portuguese and South African communities living in South Africa and Portugal.

* Rainbow Country: South Africans in Russia a website by Russian Boris Gorelik about South Africa and Russia, written by Boris in Russian, Afrikaans and English!

* SA Times - The number-one newspaper for the South African community in Europe.

* Southern Africa - Netherlands - Chamber of Commerce is the key intermediary agency for companies, organisations and entrepreneurs doing or seeking to do business between the Netherlands, South Africa and the Southern African region.

* South African Club, the Netherlands, brings South Africans and people interested in South Africa together during various events which are organized by the SA Club committee.

* South Africans in Portugal

* South African Social Club in Denmark - a place for people from anywhere to meet other South Africans, Danes, Swedes and any other South African-afflicted or -affiliated person.

* South Africans in Austria - for all those South Africans who find themselves in the Austrian Alps or nearby.

* Tjing Tjing - South African restaurant in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

* The South Africa House, the Netherlands

* The South African Society in Norway is a voluntary forum for the cultural and social interests of its members and other individuals or groups affiliated with South Africa in any way.

* The South African Society in Sweden aims to bring together people who hold a common interest in South Africa, its people, its development, its natural environment and its food and wine. See the Society on Facebook too.

* SA Braai Switzerland organises an annual braai.

* South Africa Newsletter Switzerland provides a monthly newsletter on South Africa. It also includes information on where to buy South African South African foods and beverages.

* Afrikaans.be - Tuiste vir Afrikaans in Europa.

* South African International Association of the Riviera - Based in the south of France.

ASIA & MIDDLE EAST

* Shosholoza Shanghai includes information on SA Ladies, a community for South African women in Shanghai. There is useful information on living in the city and events.

* South Africans in Saudi and Middle East

* South African Social Group in Qatar is a vibrant website for the South African community in Doha, Qatar.

* The South African Women's Association is an independent group of ladies dedicated to improving the lives of South African women in Dubai by way of various networking and socialising events. It is an affiliate member of the South African Business Council.

* The South African Business Council unites business partners by offering a networking and business development forum for business professionals with South African connections living and working in the United Arab Emirates.

* The Southern African Group in Oman is a social group catering for expatriates living and working in Oman, including people from the southern part of Africa and their friends.

The Humanitarian Forum

Who we are

Orphaned children in YemenWe are a network of key humanitarian and development organisations from each of Muslim donor and recipient countries, the West and the multilateral system. We improve the lives of those in need, and relations between communities, through bridge building and quality humanitarian action both internationally and locally in a global network of peers. We also want to foster a conducive, unbiased and safe environment to empower these organisations to work to their full potential.
What we believe

We believe it's possible for actors from different cultures and backgrounds to tackle poverty and injustice together. We believe there's a great deal of common ground between Eastern and Western humanitarian groups, and that through strong partnerships built on trust and respect, we can achieve unprecedented results in tackling poverty, maximizing aid and creating prosperity and security. We believe small, local organisations play a crucial part in this work, and that local knowledge is vital to the global humanitarian movement.
What we do

We empower civil society groups at all levels, enabling them to reach their full potential. We create dialogue and understanding between humanitarian and development organizations from Muslim countries or denominations, and their Western and multilateral counterparts from the West and multi-lateral system.

As well as working with humanitarian and development agencies from all over the world, we've set up four national forums in Indonesia, Kuwait, Yemen and Sudan.

Read more about how The Humanitarian Forum began, and about the workshops we held in 2005-2006.

Breadline Africa

Donate to Breadline Africa : A Charity With Heart

Breadline Africa is an internationally registered charity that seeks out partnerships of hope and growth in Africa. It seeks to connect people who are struggling to achieve the most basic living conditions with others who are more fortunate and in a position to make a difference.

With your donations Breadline Africa can help support ground level African charities that are trying to help the communities around them realise their full potential. It's about offering a helping hand to the people who are dedicating their lives to smaller charitable organisations that uplift communities and help them to become self-sustainable