Residents and guests took to the paths of Thornhill Manor on September 22 for a memory care awareness walk that highlighted determination, camaraderie and the beauty of the spring morning.
About 50 participants joined the event, including residents of Thornhill Manor and visitors from Thembalami Care Centre and Tarentaal. Whether using walking sticks, walkers or wheelchairs, everyone was able to take part thanks to two route options – a shorter 680m walk and a longer 1.8km one.
Laughter and chatter filled the fresh air as participants enjoyed the village’s scenic surroundings. Afterwards, they gathered in the park to cool off with ice cream and spend time together.
The walk was organised by Thornhill Manor’s Happy Chatters occupational therapy group, which was also celebrating its seventh birthday. The event formed part of World Alzheimer’s Month, an annual campaign in September to raise awareness about dementia and fight stigma.
Research underscores the value of staying active: A recent Johns Hopkins study found that just 35 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week lowered the risk of developing dementia by 41% in older adults compared to those who were inactive.
“The Alzheimer’s Awareness Walk was about more than exercise. It was about walking side by side in support, raising awareness, and reminding those affected by Alzheimer’s that they are not alone,” says Thornhill Manor manager Shaun Victor.
