Under the sign of conviviality and vitality: More than 8 km of walking to celebrate an active retirement in Beni Mellal

Retirement thus appears not as a stage of withdrawal from active life, but as a new phase allowing one to remain dynamic, autonomous, and fully engaged in social life. Elderly people: Retired teachers from Beni Mellal celebrated the International Day of Older Persons with a walk themed around vitality. From the Maghreb Arabe Youth Centre to the springs of Aïn Asserdoune, this initiative carried a clear message: retirement is not a withdrawal from life, but a new stage to remain active, autonomous, and engaged. On the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons and Retirees, the Association of Retired Teachers of Beni Mellal organised a walking session in which several participants took part on Sunday, October 4, 2026. Over a course of more than eight kilometres, this sporting activity was an opportunity to promote physical activity and remind everyone that retirement does not mean the end of vitality or engagement. The start of this initiative was given in front of the Maghreb Arabe Youth Centre. The participants then took Hassan II Avenue, then the Tourist Belt Avenue, before reaching the Aïn Asserdoune springs. Upon arrival, Abdelhadi Sedra, president of the Association of Physical Education and Sports Executives and Teachers, led a physical exercise session including several movements adapted and beneficial for the participants. It should be noted that the walk was accompanied by a vehicle equipped with a sound system, used to broadcast advice and practical information on the benefits of walking and the importance of physical activity, especially among the elderly. Musical sequences also punctuated this event, helping to create a friendly atmosphere throughout the route. At the end of this activity, the organisers expressed their thanks to the security forces who accompanied and secured the walk from its start to its finish. Thanks were also expressed to the Civil Protection, which had made an ambulance available to the participants to ensure their safety throughout the route, as well as to the local authorities for their support. "Retirement," declared one retiree, "does not mean that you have to stay at home and give up all activity. This walk allowed us to meet up with old colleagues, to move, and above all to share a moment of conviviality. Personally, I walk regularly and I find that it helps me stay in shape and keep a good morale. At our age, it is important to continue to be active and take care of one's health." For Fatima, a retiree, "this initiative is a very beautiful opportunity to show that retired people still have a lot of energy and things to share. We walked more than eight kilometres in a very pleasant atmosphere, without feeling like elderly people cast aside. Sport allows us to preserve our autonomy, but also to maintain social ties. We hope that this kind of activity will multiply, because they encourage us to remain active and to participate fully in the life of society." The event concluded with the presentation of certificates of participation to the "champions" who managed to complete the entire route, in an atmosphere marked by conviviality, solidarity, and the desire to promote an active retirement. Beyond its friendly nature, this initiative highlights the importance of physical activity for the elderly. Practised regularly and adapted to each person's abilities, walking contributes in particular to preserving mobility, strengthening muscles, and maintaining balance, while promoting better cardiovascular health. It also helps to fight against sedentary lifestyles, preserve autonomy, and maintain good psychological balance. Beyond its health effects, the collective practice of a sporting activity is also a way to break social isolation, promote exchanges, and strengthen the sense of belonging to the community. Retirement thus appears not as a stage of withdrawal from active life, but as a new phase allowing one to remain dynamic, autonomous, and fully engaged in social life. Receive the latest news from Aujourd'hui Le Maroc directly on WhatsApp