Natela Mindiashvili, 67, retiree, lives in Rustavi, and actively participates in raising her young great-grandchild.
In 2021, during the Covid-19 pandemic, Natela was one of the first to join the municipal "60+ Club for Healthy and Active Life" in Rustavi, a programme she learned about from TV.
"The 60+ Club adds joy to my life. We, people of the same age, gather 2-3 times a week, and come together like a family" - says Natela and adds that club membership has changed many things in her life for the better.
"My self-confidence has increased, I leave home with more enthusiasm, and my grandchildren call me “fancy”. When I come here, I'm happy to see so many good people. I love everyone" - she says.
In Georgia, the 60+ clubs were established by the Rustavi Library Union under Rustavi Municipality, upon the initiative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), with the aim to enrich the lives of senior citizens , helping them maintain their physical and mental health after retirement while remaining active members of society. In Georgia, nearly one in six citizens is over 65.
"UNFPA supports policies for healthy and active ageing in Georgia. We aim to build a society that meets the needs of all ages, free from age-related stigma and discrimination. The 60+ Club is a key part of this mission" - Head of UNFPA Georgia Country Office, Mariam Bandzeladze says.
The 60+ Club offers its members various activities to explore new skills and test their abilities. This is how Natela and her friends learned basic English at the 60+ Club.
"Learning English at this age helps me use my phone and watch movies. Knowing English is essential nowadays, especially since all my siblings are abroad. When they come and speak, I don’t want to be left behind, so I suggested learning English and computer skills" - Natela says.
Club members collectively decide on activities, events, and entertainments to make their daily routines more engaging. They enjoy art, painting, sculpting, and cooking and frequently visit theatres and cinemas in Rustavi and Tbilisi.
"I tell my friends, how can you be lazy when the club is so close - come and join in. I come here from the far end of the city, and I'm so happy to be here" - Natela says.
Initially, her daughters-in-law were sceptical of her joining the club, but after she brought them to attend one of the masterclasses, they liked the club idea so much that they said they would age as active as me.
Before retiring, Natela worked as a confectioner with a demanding schedule and a large team. She still keeps ties with her former co-workers.
"We shouldn't just sit at home. Many people can go out but choose not to, while these gatherings, and the fact that we are people of the same age, add so much joy to our lives. We become like children again, sharing memories and nurturing ourselves through these interactions," she reflects.
Currently, the 60+ Clubs operate in three cities in Georgia: Kutaisi, Rustavi, and Tbilisi. In April, a new club will open at Temka district media library in Tbilisi, in collaboration with Tbilisi City Hall and the Union of Tbilisi Municipality Multifunctional Libraries
