Vibrant Morning at DISHA NZ: Seniors Shine Through Music, Movement and Meaningful Play
DISHA NZ Charitable Trust hosted yet another lively and heart-warming session yesterday, bringing together senior community members for a morning filled with energy, smiles and celebration.
The day began with our regular Purposeful Play exercise session led by Prana Physiotherapy, a much-appreciated programme supported by Auckland Council. We were also delighted to welcome Farina and Tracy from the Council, whose visit added warmth and encouragement to the gathering.
After the exercise session, the hall quickly transformed into a stage of colour and rhythm as our seniors performed on a range of popular Bollywood songs. Their enthusiasm lit up the room, proving once again that age is no barrier to joy, confidence or creativity. The performances were followed by the all-time favourite Tambola, enjoyed by everyone with great excitement.
At the heart of the morning was the ongoing Purposeful Play initiative — a fun, physiotherapist-led programme designed especially for the senior members of DISHA NZ. Unlike traditional exercise routines, Purposeful Play uses simple games, group challenges and playful activities to make movement enjoyable and remove inhibitions.
A unique pillar of this programme is the creation of community leaders. Interested seniors are trained in safe, simple exercises, enabling them to gradually take the lead in parts of the class. Over time, this peer-led model helps build confidence, ownership and leadership within the group, making the programme truly “for the people, by the people.”
Rather than prescribing a fixed routine, the physiotherapists begin by asking participants what matters most to them — whether it’s improving balance, preventing falls, managing a frozen shoulder, or feeling more stable while walking or climbing stairs. The games and activity circuits are then shaped around these real-life priorities, making each session both meaningful and personalised.
Every Purposeful Play class blend warm-up, strength and balance exercise, coordination training, reaction-time tasks, along with laughter, teamwork and social connection. Guided by professionals and powered by community spirit, the program helps seniors feel stronger, steadier and more purposeful in their everyday lives — all while having fun together.
The gathering on Monday was a wonderful reminder of what DISHA NZ truly represents: community, connection, and the joy of ageing with dignity and enthusiasm.-TIN Bureau