At 70, Lillian Naomi Rugema’s lifestyle is, perhaps, a good example of how senior adults can lead vibrant and fulfilling lives.

Once a dedicated nurse midwife and trauma counsellor, Rugema suddenly found herself feeling isolated and bored, soon after retiring. With her seven grandchildren living far away, and her husband often busy at work, her days turned dull.

ALSO READ: Age-defying fitness: Meet the Grandma’s Club

"I would wake up late and sit on the veranda, feeling the weight of loneliness, with painful joints,” she recalls.

The turning point came when she was invited to a lunch at Nyarutarama, where she learned about Grandma’s Club, a fitness club for senior women, founded by Eva Gara, a sports enthusiast. Gara, 63, recognised the growing isolation many older women faced.

"As women age, they often retreat into their homes,” she explained, noting that she wanted to create a safe space where the seniors could come together, exercise, and socialise.

VIDEO: Inside Kigali’s grandma’s fitness club

Inspired, Rugema joined the club and began attending sessions at the Health Hub, in Gikondo, a Kigali suburb. Sooner than later, under the guidance of Gabby, an expert physiotherapist, Rugema discovered the joy of movement.

"Gabby is not only trained in various therapies, but she has a good heart, she makes exercising enjoyable,” Rugema said.

ALSO READ: Grandma’s Club celebrates International Day of Older Persons, addresses challenges

Over time, Rugema experienced a transformation.

She said: "I feel alive again. My joints have started to heal, and my mood has been lifted.

"The Grandma’s Club organises various outings, fostering a sense of belonging as we often meet for lunch or go on trips. It has shaped my life. My children are supportive of my activities, and when I am happy, my husband is happy too.”

Rugema noted that the club has not only improved her physical health but also boosted her emotional well-being.

"I never imagined I could feel this good at 70. I truly believe I look like I am 55!” she smiled.

The members of the club are not just grandmothers, but also vibrant women ready to live life to the fullest, she said, noting that with the right support, older adults can kick out boredom and embrace life.

"Our social media group helps us stay connected and plan outings. The comradeship among the women is solid, with many forming friendships that extend beyond their weekly gym sessions,” Rugema added.

"Five years ago, a group of senior women formed the Grandma’s Club to enhance the well-being of those aged 60 and above through regular exercise, social activities, and support for vulnerable members. Starting with just eight women, the club has grown to over a hundred, thanks in part to their partnership with The Health Hub gym in Gikondo,” Gara noted.

ALSO READ: Healthy ageing is possible, ntugasaze!

She stressed that the club aims to create a safe space where grandmothers can share their triumphs and challenges, countering the misconceptions about what older people can and cannot do.

Activities include weekly dance classes, a recent trip to Dubai, and upcoming visits to local attractions like the museum and King’s Palace, in Kigali.

Gara noted that despite facing challenges such as loneliness, inactivity, and loss of income, the club is actively tackling these issues by organising monthly discussions, volunteer opportunities, and training in palliative care.

"We hope to extend outreach programmes for vulnerable seniors, establishing a dedicated center for leisure and support, and helping members pursue their lifelong dreams. The club strives to improve the quality of life for grandmothers, restoring dignity and affirming their invaluable contributions to society,” she added.

Dr Protogene Ngabitsinze, a consultant physician and geriatric medicine specialist in the internal medicine department at Rwanda Military Referral and Teaching Hospital, emphasised the importance of specialised geriatric services which specifically target frail seniors and their caregivers. Geriatrics refers to medical care for older adults, usually those aged 65 and older.

Geriatrics is a new field in sub-Saharan Africa, he said, noting that Rwanda is establishing dedicated units in hospitals to ensure that older patients receive the care they need.

Dr. Ngabitsinze said: "Training for medical students is essential. Kindness and motivation are crucial, but knowledge is the foundation of good care.”

He added that the Geriatric Fellowship Programme at University of Rwanda is essential to equip future healthcare providers with the skills necessary to serve older populations effectively.

Community initiatives also play a vital role in enhancing the lives of older adults. Elie Mugabowishema, the president of Nsindagiza, an NGO advocating for the rights of the elderly, highlighted recent improvements.

"There is an increase in health facilities and free health screenings for older people,” Mugabowishema said, noting that such initiatives have made healthcare more accessible, allowing older adults to prioritise their health.

"The positive effects of these initiatives extend beyond individual stories. We see increased access to health services and a change in mindset among older people and the community. Programmes prioritising older adults during health crises, like Covid-19 helped foster confidence and a sense of value among them,” he said.