Senior women often feel lonely and left out but not any longer, social groups like ‘Morning Club’ offer them a fair chance of staying fit and mingle socially. You! takes a look…
In Pakistan, retirement planning is often overlooked. While men may find ways to stay active - such as going to the mosque or spending time with friends - women can face a different challenge. Once their children are married and living their own lives, and their daughters-in-law are managing the household, some women may feel a sense of purposelessness. This lack of daily activities and infrequent family gatherings can contribute to feelings of depression and decline. Without meaningful engagement, these women might struggle with feelings of uselessness and isolation.
Recently, I got to know about a ‘Morning Club’, formed by a group of women who come for morning walks at Nisar Shaheed Park, Karachi. The purpose of the group is twofold: to stay fit and to stay socially connected, in other words to ward off depression.
How I met these energetic women is also an interesting story. Growing up, I loved listening to Daniel Boone’s Beautiful Sunday, but, unfortunately, the song never managed to inspire me to get up early on weekends to go for a walk in the park. Why, oh why, should anyone sane wake up in the dark and think about going for a walk in the park? To me, sleep was definitely more beautiful than any ‘day’. Surely, most people would sympathise and empathise with any person’s desire to get up when they want, and not at the crack of dawn?
Years later, the lyrics came back to haunt me when I had to start walking at the nearby park for health reasons. My doctor told me that regular walks would help with some medical and weight issues, so I seriously considered his advice. According to him, regular walking is essential for good health, offering numerous benefits that help control various conditions, including heart problems, blood pressure, thyroid issues, and excess weight.
Incorporating regular walking into your daily routine can provide significant health benefits, aiding in the management and prevention of various health conditions. However, to reap the multitude of benefits from walking, you have to get up, get ready, and venture out. And that is definitely not easy. I started going to Nisar Shaheed Park which is located in DHA, Karachi. Initially, I wasn’t very consistent, but over time, I became a regular walker - sometimes in the evening, but most often in the morning.
Everyone knows that walking with someone makes it much easier, and before you know it, your iWatch will tell you that you’ve completed your exercise. That’s when the real fun begins. Regular park-goers have formed various clubs to while away pleasantly. I first discovered the social and recreational side of the ‘Morning Club’, which boasts over 100 members, while walking alone and lost in thought. My reverie was interrupted by the cheerful sounds of ghazals being sung. It was a group of female walkers, singing, walking, laughing, and chatting - basically having a fantastic time.
Next, I saw some of the ladies playing throw ball in the park, which, I assure you, is not a common sight in Pakistan. After a very enthusiastic match, filled with laughter and good-natured ribbing, the ‘Morning Club’ retired to enjoy their breakfast. The exercise had definitely whetted everyone’s appetite, and they thoroughly enjoyed the sumptuous repast laid out on the central table. Oh yes, the park features several seating areas with fixed wooden benches arranged in U-shapes or circles, complemented by wooden centre tables, making it a perfect spot for socialising after their activities.
I was told that every Sunday, the group members have a get-together where they each bring something from home. After their morning walk, they sit together and chat. Intrigued by this vibrant group, I decided to talk to these ladies to understand their reasons for coming to the park. Here’s what I found out…
Ms Shakeela Aleem is a homemaker who suffered from allergies and thyroid issues. Her doctor recommended walking and getting fresh air instead of prescribing medicines. “That was 26 years ago. I started coming to this new park regularly to walk. Initially, I would walk and leave, but over time, I started staying back and chatting with the women I became friendly with. In the beginning, the park friendships were limited to the park only. Slowly and gradually, my park friends became a part of my life. We often meet outside and always feel energised after spending time with each other.”
Azra Shaheen is a regular walker. She had a bypass, so initially it was just for health reasons, but the friendships she formed in the park are the reason she enjoys her time there in the mornings. “I love going out with my park friends. We hire busses, go to seaside and to other places for fun, and feel fresh after our walks and trips.”
“I have been walking in NSP for the past twenty-five years. I begin my day in the park much before sunrise. To see the rising sun in the backdrop of a vivid horizon gives my mood such euphoria that it is difficult to put in words.
Over the years I have built long lasting friendships that has helped me survive the storms of life that I had to surf through. While walking, I have prepared so many lectures in my mind that I had to deliver in workshops and seminars. My thought process combined with dopamine has worked wonders for my professional life in the wee hours of morning,” elucidates Dr Ayesha Usman, who is a regular walker in the park.
Shawana Jameel, a dress designer, is a new member who was advised by her doctor to walk to control her diabetes. “Initially, I used to walk and sit by myself. Then I found the ‘Morning Club’ and they welcomed me. Dr Ayesha advised me on diet and I lost weight, and now my sugar is under control. After completing my walk, I like to sit with my friends and it is good for my mental peace. I feel refreshed and remain active the whole day.”
Dr Atiya Khan did not go for morning walks while she was practicing. Instead, she used to go in the evening. When she retired in 2018, she decided to go for her walks in the morning. “I made new friends, which is not something usual in old age. Earlier, my friendships were mostly limited to my professional acquaintances. Now I have amazing friendships that I never experienced before. In the winter months, we play throw ball. There is no age limit, and anyone can join us. It is like a whole new world has opened for me!”
In her capacity as a medical professional, although retired, Dr Atiya does her best to motivate others to follow her example. “As a doctor, when I advise people to pay attention to their health, more often than not, they heed my advice.
In addition, we help group members who need counselling. You see, most women have domestic problems they cannot share or discuss with their family members, but such women open up to their park friends because they trust them and feel lighter after unburdening the thoughts preying on their minds. So, this therapy is also a side benefit of walking in the park with other women.”
To clinch her arguments in favour of morning walks, Dr Atiya shares, “I actually get ready to walk in the park, something I wouldn’t do if I didn’t have to go out. So, looking after myself is something I do because when I go out, I want to look my best.”
Becoming a member of a social group can work wonders for women’s mental health, providing them with a sense of purpose. “My day goes well and I stay refreshed throughout the day after my morning walk,” says Nazli Pervaiz.
We should take care of ourselves because no one else will do it for us. We need a social life, and my park group has provided that for all its members. Most of us are women over 60 who stay at home and have few outlets other than the park. Our activities aren’t all just for fun; we discuss topics like the Quran, psychology, poetry, and politics, which helps us understand what’s happening around us.
Dr Ayesha, a dynamic member of our group, offers advice on medical and psychological issues. We’ve all become very close, despite not all being affluent. We fundraise for members in need of financial help, such as those requiring medical treatment or assistance with their children’s weddings.”
In addition, we go on picnics to beaches and farmhouses, and have sleepovers. We sing, dance, and enjoy lunches and dinners together - in other words, we have a lot of fun!
Shabana Iqbal, another member of the club shares how regular walk helps her control her blood pressure. “I like to sleep late, but when my doctor told me to walk to keep my blood pressure under control, I had to give up on my beauty sleep. My friends don’t let me become tardy; due to them, I have to come daily and on time. When I had a personal tragedy; my young daughter-in-law died and I went into depression, they helped me get over it. It’s a great support system we have here.”
Rabia Bano, who has been coming to the park since its inception says the park is a refuge for those sans electricity. “We used to come in the evening. In those days, power outages were frequent and we would bring children here in the evening to enjoy the cooling breeze. When children grew up, I started coming in the morning. There is no greater joy than to watch the birds in flight, in their particular, arrow-like formations, the colour of the sky, the shapes of clouds and the sunrise.”
Another regular walker, who prefers to remain anonymous, mentioned that walking in the park not only helps with her weight issues but also supports a noble cause: she assists women in finding spouses for their children. “It’s something I enjoy doing because people today are very worried about finding good matches for their children. I keep my ears open, and when I hear a woman talking about her difficulties in finding a match for her children, I give her the contact details of someone else who is also looking. I facilitate their initial meeting, and after that, it’s in Allah’s hands.”
Sleeping in is enjoyable, but is it more important than your health? We should all choose a healthy lifestyle to stay fit. If you have access to a park, don’t waste it. If not, make use of online exercise videos to stay active from home. Life is short and precious - prioritise your health and don’t let it slip away while you sleep.
The writer is the editor of
Us magazine. She can be reached at lubnak23@gmail.com
