This story was reported by The Times of India
By daybreak, 72-year-old Bilkis Shyamwala heads to Sriramulu GCC park in George Town on a bike-taxi every Saturday. She joins a group of more than 100 women in her age group, ready for their hour-long fitness routine. They break into circles and begin their breathing sessions, followed by stretches.
For these Dawoodi Bohra community senior citizens, age is just a number and fitness is a habit. Saturdays are special for them, as about 125 seniors from the community gather at the park to shed their worries.
From stretches to pranayama and therapy, these sessions keep them active and in good spirits. “Elderly women often feel their days of being fit are over and lose motivation. We started this to show them age isn’t a barrier with regard to fitness,” said 66-year-old Zainab Electricwala.
The movement was sparked by Nafisa Manaf, a fitness enthusiast who saw the isolation within the elderly in her community. What began as a few WhatsApp videos with stretches and motivational quotes soon grew into a 125-member group named 'Get Fit'.
"Women in our community don't go out as much as men. This hour of fitness routine brings us together, helps us stay healthy, and we sleep better,” said Manaf.
Fitness coach Tasneem Gandhi, 42, teaches them mobility exercises, stretch training, and ball games too. “We also do movement therapy,” she added. In addition, the elderly women have sessions of therapy too, helping them improve their mental health.
“Initially I was too lazy to exercise, but these sessions made it fun. My cramps and stiffness are gone,” said Zainab. The group also organises leisure trips to Guindy Park and other local spots.
Their efforts come as a reminder amid India’s rising senior population, as noted in the UN’s India Ageing Report 2023. “This initiative is about self–care and support for the elderly. It’s a message of hope for us,” said Rashida Jamnagarwala.
