04 December 2014 Volume :2 Issue :60
Sharing Health and Beauty Tips for the Elderly
Miss UKZN, Ms Nompumelelo Nkosi at Zamazulu Old Age Home in KwaMashu.Senior citizens are never too old for pampering and adopting active lifestyles, according to third-year Medical student and winner of the 2014-15 Miss UKZN title, Ms Nompumelelo Nkosi.
This message was relayed at a recent visit she paid to elderly women staying at Zamazulu Old Age Home in KwaMashu which is supported by Yunibo Health Trust, an organisation founded by UKZN Medical students.
The 21-year-old Nkosi from Mandeni was crowned Miss UKZN, Miss Vibe FM and became a top-10 finalist for Miss Signature, all in 2014-15.
The visit to the old age home was part of a community engagement challenge given to Miss Signature 2014-15 finalists.
Nkosi provided refreshments and sponsored Signature Cosmetics gifts ranging from skincare products to sleeping warmers and morning shoes before teaming up with Medical students to provide free medical check-ups to the elderly, including testing their blood pressure, cardio exercises for those who were not too frail and lots of entertainment.
Nkosi and students conducted a skincare workshop with staff and the elderly women at the home who were also pampered with foot massages and had their hair washed. Then there was a beauty contest for the elderly who were “dolled up” with make-up by the students.
‘The focus is usually on children and empowering the youth these days,’ said Nkosi, ‘leaving the elderly on the sidelines. I wanted to put a smile on their faces and to bring back their youth, even if just for a day.’
Nkosi said not only was she a compassionate Medical student but she loved modelling and being a professional dancer. She has danced for a variety of South African music artists including Bongi Dube, Thabsile, Benzi no Mzakes, Dj Cindo as well as Afrotainment and Fact Durban Rocks.
‘Although it was overwhelming to be crowned Miss UKZN 2014-15, I felt worthy of the title because I always had a vision for Miss UKZN.’
She says modelling and being a Medical student allow her to reach out to communities and change the lives of people often in serious need of care.
Nkosi is interested in pursuing a career in Sports Medicine.
Lunga Memela
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