Meaningful Engagement of Elders – Alignment of the Universe
by Femada Shamam
A dear friend, Lynda Smith, recently recommended watching a movie titled Nonnas. As a Vince Vaughn fan, I was intrigued. I was also amused because one of my favourite TikTok pages is Nonna Pia — so, naturally, I took the bait.
Earlier that day, I had attended the open day at Langeler Towers, where members of the public were invited to view the accommodation on offer. Among the team welcoming guests were the ladies responsible for catering — a group affectionately dubbed “the Koeksisters” by our wellness activity coordinator. The name, a nod to the sweet South African treat, had us all giggling.
As each woman explained her role — one the cupcake specialist, another the savoury queen — I was struck by the pride and joy in their voices. They weren’t just cooking; they were contributing. The energy, the excitement, and the sense of purpose they radiated was beautiful. My heart was full knowing that Tafta had helped create the space for this magic.
Later, as I watched Nonnas, I found myself reflecting on the parallels. As the story unfolded, I saw glimpses of our Durban “Koeksisters” in the characters onscreen. The desire for meaningful engagement, the need to contribute, and the pursuit of joy — these are not cultural quirks or generational whims. They are universal.
Whether in Staten Island or Durban, older women are reminding us that purpose doesn’t retire. Contribution is not defined by age. And joy, when shared, is amplified.
The stars felt aligned that day — in film, in real life, and in spirit. I ended the day with a smile on my face and a lightness in my heart. Nonna Pia may have gone viral, but our Koeksisters are spinning their own kind of magic right here at home.
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