Who knew animal viewing was such good exercise? When members of Thornhill Manor’s Happy Chatters occupational therapy group visited the Johannesburg Zoo recently, they walked around 10 000 steps.
Village social worker Karen Griessel says the group grasped the opportunity offered by the zoo of free entry for senior citizens and their caregivers.
“The ladies did so well, taking around 10 000 steps, calculated by my smartwatch, while enjoying the greenery and animals. For some caregivers, this was their first time seeing animals like tigers and lions, so there was lots of excitement in the air,” says Karen.
“I could see that the outing meant a lot to the residents and their caregivers who are mostly home- and village-bound.”
Karen Griessel and Maureen Otnes at the zoo.
The Happy Chatters occupational therapy group enjoyed their day at the zoo.
Margot Taverner-Smith and caregiver Juliet Mukasa.
Ann Goodfellow and Virginia Qoma.
