Seniors, too, want to have fun
Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
What would happen if a hundred seniors got together in one place at the same time? They would become like children again, as over 150 senior residents of Jakarta proved when they celebrated International Senior's Day at Gelanggang Samudra recreation center in Ancol, North Jakarta.
Forgetting about their age, most participants, who were 60 years old on average, sang, danced, giggled and clapped their hands during their visit to the venue.
They showed fascination over several animal shows featured at the recreation center, including entertaining performances by birds, sea lions and monkeys.
"I love all the animal shows featured here. They're funny and interesting," said Aisyiah, 67, one of the participants.
"But what makes me happy the most is gathering here with other senior friends," said Aisyiah, while walking with a limp hand-in- hand with her neighbor, Jawariyah, 68, who is partially deaf.
Aisyiah said she was happy to see her friends as she often felt lonely spending most of her days at home with her niece.
"I have four children. All of them are married and have their own families. I prefer staying alone because I don't want to bother them much," said Aisyiah who runs a small food stall selling Palembang cuisine called empek-empek from her home in Pisangan Baru, East Jakarta.
"It's pretty tiring but enjoyable," said another participant, Najim, 66, a resident of Condet, East Jakarta.
The seniors enjoyed a picnic in Ancol as part of the celebration of International Senior's Day organized by the Women's International Club (WIC).
The Jakarta Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) reported last year that there were 668,342 senior residents aged 55 years and over in the city.
"Only about 150 of the total 250 seniors we support participated in the celebration. Many are so sick that they can't get involved," said Ruby Hamami, the chairperson of the WIC Social Welfare Program.
Ruby said most seniors who receive regular support from WIC, came from several areas in Jakarta, while others came from a nursing home in Cengkareng, Tangerang.
Fifteen mentally disabled people were also invited to take part in the celebration.
WIC Jakarta president Lies Harmidy said the program was part of her club's social activities dedicated to those less fortunate.
"We provide support in the form of nutritious food, clothes and medicine according to the needs of those seniors," Lies said.
Lies said that her club, which has about 600 members, also provides support to needy students and children.
Locals make up 60 percent of the membership, while 40 percent are expatriates, Lies said.
"We raise funds to finance our social activities through annual bazaars," Lies said, adding that her club was scheduled to hold a bazaar on Oct. 23 and Oct. 24 at the Jakarta Hilton Convention Center in South Jakarta.