At 77, Jacqueline Nyiraneza is proving that aging doesn’t mean slowing down. From her home in Rubungo Cell, Bumbogo Sector, she embraces a vibrant life fueled by creativity, physical fitness, and purpose—proving that growing older can be a time of vitality and innovation. ALSO READ: Age-defying fitness: Meet the Grandma’s Club Whether transforming recycled materials into unique furniture or nurturing her vibrant flower garden, she has built a life rooted in passion, sustainability, and resilience. In a world where aging is often seen as a decline, Nyiraneza redefines it as a time for innovation, energy, and fulfillment. On a Thursday morning, around 11 a.m, we set off to visit Nyiraneza at her home for an in-depth interview. She guided us over the phone, and as we arrived at her gate, we rang her once more. In no time, she appeared, welcoming us with a warm hug and a beaming smile. Her cheerful nature was immediately evident, setting the tone for an inspiring conversation. ALSO READ: Healthy ageing is possible, ntugasaze! Dressed in a vibrant red floral maxi dress, her natural hair styled in a loose puff, paired with comfortable closed shoes. She looked fit, energetic, and well-groomed, far from the stereotypical image of someone her age. Before we could settle down, she took us on a tour of her home, proudly showcasing her creativity. A home adorned with creativity Nyiraneza’s living space is proof of her artistic mind. The sitting room chairs, beautifully shaped and furnished, were made from recycled car tires. Unless told, one would never guess their background. Covered in maroon fabric, they blended seamlessly with the home’s aesthetic. Her TV stand, crafted from a tree trunk, showcased her deep appreciation for natural materials. The dining table stand, made from wood, followed the same theme. As we continued our tour, a framed art piece on the wall caught our attention. She explained that she had crafted it herself, cutting patterns from a ‘Kitenge’ and carefully pasting them onto a board. Near the bookshelf, she pulled out an album filled with cherished memories. She smiled as she flipped through the pages, reminiscing about moments shared with her husband and family. It was clear that she values not only her creative work but also the life she has built over the years. A passion for gardening Outside, her love for flowers was evident. Her garden, meticulously arranged, featured a variety of flowers, some planted in recycled tires, others in baskets and vases. Each plant held a special place in her heart, and she passionately described their names, colors, and care routines. Her garden, much like her home, reflected her personality, lively, full of life. The journey into recycling and crafting Nyiraneza’s journey into recycling and crafting began in 2019 when she and her family moved into their house. Even before relocating, she had a vision of incorporating recycled materials into her home decor. She had already collected used car tires, bought from a vendor, with the idea of creating a unique garden. However, after moving in, she realized that her garden space was smaller than expected. Undeterred, she found alternative ways to integrate the tires into her home. “The chairs were already made before we started living in this house. I wanted to create something unique for myself. The idea of using tires came naturally to me, even before I saw anyone else doing it,” she shared. While she hired someone to assist with assembling the chairs, the designs were entirely hers. She guided the craftsman through each step, ensuring that her idea was brought to life. The results were stylish and environmentally friendly furniture. Despite their quality, she never considered turning her work into a business. “I simply enjoyed making them and looking at them. If I had thought of selling them, I might have continued making more and probably would have had customers. But for me, it was about personal fulfillment,” she said. Nyiraneza recognizes the broader benefits of creative recycling. “This kind of work can create job opportunities, especially for people who have retired and don’t want to stay idle. It also helps reduce waste and contributes to environmental conservation.” Staying active, key to healthy aging Nyiraneza’s creativity is matched by her commitment to staying physically active. She joined the Grandma’s Club in Gikondo in 2023, where she engages in professional sports training. At home, she incorporates daily workouts, including weightlifting and yoga. “While at home, I don’t follow a strict schedule. Sometimes, I do multiple workouts a day. The essence is to stay active. When you don’t use your legs, you can experience muscle atrophy (weakening and shrinking of muscles). Exercise keeps the body functioning well,” she said. She likened the human body to a car. “You can’t leave a car unused for too long and expect it to function well. We, too, were created to stay active.” A self-sufficient and disciplined lifestyle Unlike many elderly individuals who rely on domestic helpers, Nyiraneza takes pride in managing her home on her own. She usually wakes up at 6 a.m., though if she sleeps late, she allows herself an extra hour. Her mornings begin with household chores, sweeping, cleaning, cooking, and tending to her plants, keeping her active and engaged throughout the day. She attributes her strength and discipline to her deep faith in God. “Working is very important, and it goes hand in hand with prayer. God gives us all our strength. Even when I feel weak and unmotivated to exercise, I pray for strength and read God’s word.” Importance of active aging Nyiraneza’s lifestyle aligns with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendations on aging and physical activity. According to WHO, older adults who remain inactive are at a higher risk of developing Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. They are also more prone to reduced mobility and falls. To counteract these risks, WHO advises adults to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week. Additionally, muscle-strengthening activities should be performed at least twice a week. The organization also advocates for creating supportive environments that promote physical activity, including safe public spaces, active transportation options, and community programs.
