Forty-one members of the Sisters of Mary Immaculate (SMI) Congregation have participated in a two-day workshop at the SMI Mother House, Daffiama in Ghana’s Wa Diocese on the theme: Ageing.
The March 31 to April 1, 2025 workshop was facilitated by Sr. Mary Assunta Zaagbeb, a Nurse and a Matron at the St. Lucy’s Hospital, Tamale, and Sr. Sylvia Kono, also a Nurse working at the St. Theresa’s Hospital, Nandom.
The workshop was to help Sisters be aware of certain behaviours and changes in their lives and to address them properly when the need arises, and to receive the necessary support, care, and counseling. 
Sr. Assunta equipped the Sisters with skills and strategies to take care of themselves as they grow old and to accept the changes that might come their way.
She explained to them that ageing is a process of growing, and it is a privileged ministry within the ministry.
She added that it was normal to experience old age in life, and some of these signs include slow thinking, difficulty in remembering, reduced focus and attention, and many more.
She said the normal process of ageing is gradual, and because it is gradual, the body can adjust and adapt to the changes, which include physical, cognitive, and social.
She further explained the role of the brain and stressed the need for Sisters to continue to educate their brains to keep them active, especially those in retirement.
In her presentation, Sr. Kono took the Sisters through how to handle and accept changes in their lives and explained that as they age, change is part and parcel of the process of aging.
She explained some proceedings through stages of change to enlighten the minds of sisters, which include: Pre-contemplation, Contemplation, Preparation or Planning, Action, Maintenance, and how stress can affect them psychologically and spiritually.
Sr. Kono emphasised self-care strategies for the body and mind, urging the aged Sisters to get enough sleep, keep their routine, physical activity, keep their gut healthy, relax, stay engaged, and focus on positive thoughts to help them keep fit.
The two facilitators concluded the workshop with the support systems that provide reduced stress and prevent Delirium, Depression, and Dementia.
By Sr. Gloria Duongnaa, SMI (Sister Communicator)
