You’ve Earned It, a platform for South Africa’s 60-plussers, has challenged the younger generations to adopt a granny or grandpa. Here is how:
South Africa (08 November 2024) – A local platform dedicated to the 60-plussers, You’ve Earned It (YEI), has set a challenge to the youthful citizens of South Africa to adopt a granny or grandpa. This is especially important as we head into the festive season, where we all have more time on our hands and the retirees of South Africa feel the creep of financial strain and loneliness set in.
Marilyn Hallett, Director of You’ve Earned It, reached out to Good Things Guy to spread the message and get more people on board with the challenge.
The challenge is simple: adopt a 60-plusser in your neighbourhood (maybe even your own home) and take part in an exchange of some kind, whether that be teaching an elder how to use their cellphone or computer or simply just meeting up for regular conversations about life, lessons and change.
In return, ask to be taught how to sew, knit, cook a family favourite meal, balance your books, or simply just soak in time with someone who has seen and done more than you.
“We are hugely excited about the Adopt a Granny and/or Grandpa challenge. YEI believes that intergenerational bonding between young and older people can be so beneficial for many reasons. Older people can share their knowledge and life experiences while younger people can learn from them. This “togetherness” leads to improved health, emotional support, a sense of purpose and builds strong communities that value the contribution of all age groups. We do hope that people opt to take up this challenge over and beyond the festive season”.
Adopt a Granny and/or Grandpa
Marilyn explains that many older people have a grasp of tech-related life, but only to a point, as technology changes so quickly. There is also the added expense of data.
“Another challenge and barrier for 60-plussers is the high cost of data as well as, in many cases, inadequate digital skills. If we don’t step in now and take South African senior citizens into consideration when it comes to the online space, we run the risk of shutting seniors out from society and worsening an already very worrying trend of isolation and loneliness amongst the elderly.”
- Help them with tech – how to use Word and Excel, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram – on a continued basis, including using telehealth, online banking and online shopping.
- Donate your old cellphone to an “elder” who can’t afford an up-to-date phone. This helps alleviate loneliness and isolation, allowing 60-plussers to be in contact with family – locally and abroad.
- Sponsor data to your chosen 60-plusser so they can spend time connecting online.
Marilyn hopes that this challenge will inspire a sense of community. She challenges those who can afford a little extra to help a SASSA pensioner who possibly has no family to help them.
“For example, buying them a grocery voucher every month or some toiletries. Invite them around for the family lunch.
Heaven knows how they get by on just over R2000 a month government pension. In return, and maybe as a “kind of” barter system, grannies can knit jerseys, help to au pair little ones, and bake cakes; grandpas could be the school chauffeur driver and help with the DIY around the house. Let’s get the younger and older generation working together for good.”
Adopt a granny or grandpa and share some of the things you do on social media by tagging Youv’e Earned It on Facebook and using the hashtags: #AdoptAGrandparent #YouveEarnedIt
You’ve Earned It
You’ve Earned It was created to enrich the lives of South Africans aged 60 and above by providing a one-stop hub with trusted, valuable resources, exclusive pensioner discounts, and engaging, informative, and highly relevant content.
The content is carefully curated and tailored to the unique interests and needs of 60-plussers across the pillars of finance, health, travel, and lifestyle while addressing the diverse aspects of ageing. Trusted by thousands, YEI helps South Africans 60-plussers live well, save smart, and connect with a vibrant community. YEI is designed to empower 60-plussers with the knowledge and resources they need to lead a fulfilling later life.
YEI also provides brands with a trusted channel and direct access to connect and engage with this valuable 60-plus market through targeted advertising and sponsorships. Whether you’re looking to enhance your retirement or reach a thriving market, YEI is where South Africa’s 60-plussers come to thrive.
60-plussers and pre-retirees are most welcome to sign up, at no cost, to YEI’s free newsletter on this link: https://bit.ly/3ZxHi8o
Sources: Supplied
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