Preventative Care
How are seniors using unconventional spaces to manage health conditions in Zimbabwe?
In Zimbabwe's capital, 65-year-old Nelly Mundandwa and fellow seniors have transformed a graveyard into a fitness hub where they conduct hour-long sessions of squats, lunges, and stretches to upbeat music. This daily routine has become much more than just exercise for participants like Mundandwa. For her, these workout sessions amidst gravestones serve as a crucial lifeline in managing diabetes. The Commandos Fitness Club not only helps seniors combat chronic health conditions but also provides motivation and community support in an area with limited access to conventional gym facilities, demonstrating their resilience and commitment to healthier aging.
Watch clip answer (00:20m)
WION
00:45 - 01:05
Why did seniors in Zimbabwe create a fitness club in a cemetery?
Seniors in Zimbabwe's capital established a high-energy fitness club in a cemetery due to a shortage of available gym space. This unusual location serves a dual purpose - providing them with space to exercise while offering a powerful reminder of how lack of physical activity can shorten lives. The participants view dancing amid gravestones as a salutary reminder of the consequences of sedentary lifestyles, which are contributing to rising cases of chronic diseases throughout Zimbabwe.
Watch clip answer (00:24m)WION
00:00 - 00:24
What is the global impact of non-communicable diseases according to recent WHO data?
According to figures from the World Health Organization from December 2024, non-communicable diseases are a leading cause of death globally, responsible for 41 million deaths. These diseases account for 74% of annual fatalities worldwide, highlighting their significant impact on global health. This data underscores why initiatives like the Commandos Fitness Club in Zimbabwe are crucial, as they help seniors combat chronic conditions through regular exercise and community support. As these diseases become increasingly prevalent, particularly in Africa where diabetes and hypertension are common, community-based fitness programs offer an important intervention strategy.
Watch clip answer (00:15m)
WION
02:29 - 02:45
What motivated Coach Nekati to start fitness training for elderly women in Zimbabwe?
Coach Nekati's motivation stems from a deeply personal tragedy. His mother was diagnosed with high blood pressure and diabetes, which led to a stroke resulting in her death on January 5, 2023. This painful experience prompted him to take action. Driven by grief and a desire to prevent similar suffering, Coach Nekati collaborated with a colleague to recruit elderly women for exercise programs. Their initiative aims to help these women maintain fitness and combat the chronic diseases that took his mother's life, empowering seniors in Zimbabwe to lead healthier, more active lives despite limited resources.
Watch clip answer (00:21m)WION
02:00 - 02:22
Why have seniors in Zimbabwe established a fitness club in a graveyard?
Seniors in Zimbabwe's capital established the Commandos Fitness Club in a graveyard due to a shortage of available gym spaces. The unique location serves a dual purpose - providing them with a place to exercise while also serving as a powerful reminder of how lack of physical activity can shorten lives. The high-energy workouts amid gravestones help combat the rising cases of chronic diseases in Zimbabwe, particularly age-related conditions like diabetes and hypertension. As 65-year-old member Nelly Mundandwa explains, the cemetery has become the perfect spot for seniors to maintain their health and keep old age diseases at bay through regular cardio workouts.
Watch clip answer (00:44m)WION
00:00 - 00:44
Why do seniors exercise in Harare City Cemetery and what health benefits do they gain?
At Harare City Cemetery in Zimbabwe, 65-year-old Nelly Mundandwa and fellow seniors engage in daily hour-long fitness sessions featuring squats, lunges, and stretches to upbeat music. For Mundandwa, this routine serves as a crucial lifeline for managing her diabetes, while the cemetery setting provides a poignant reminder of those who died prematurely from chronic diseases due to lack of exercise. Participants view their unique workout location as meaningful - they exercise among those who 'were laid to rest before their time,' many due to conditions like diabetes that might have been managed through physical activity. The fitness initiative addresses a significant public health challenge while helping seniors improve their health and potentially extend their lives through regular exercise.
Watch clip answer (00:39m)WION
00:45 - 01:25