Four inclusive activity shadowing events have successfully concluded within the framework of the international project “Promoting Active and Healthy Aging” (ActiveAging, No. LL-00059). These initiatives brought together specialists from Latvia and Lithuania to share experiences and adopt best practices in involving seniors, including people with disabilities, in the process of active and healthy aging.
The series of shadowing events began in Jelgava Municipality in March, where participants spent three days getting acquainted with local inclusive activities at the “Zemgale” day center. Particular attention was paid to four masterclasses on economical and healthy nutrition, combining theoretical knowledge with practical cooking and tasting sessions. Participants also visited the “UPE” day care center in Lielplatone parish, gaining insight into successful work with people with disabilities. Project manager Dace Strautkalne emphasized that specialists highly appreciated Jelgava Municipality’s inclusive approach, where every community member feels involved and significant.
In April, the baton for shadowing events was passed to the Rokiškis District Education Center in Lithuania. Here, partners became familiar with the center’s broad scope of activities, including methodological support for schools, assessment of children with learning challenges, implementation of international projects, and inclusive activities for seniors. Particularly valuable were the activities of the Third Age University, aimed at activating and engaging seniors. Participants shadowed Art and Theater studio classes, learning about the creation of traditional Lithuanian decorations and interactive puppet theater performances. In the Dance studio class, they learned new dance steps. At the Rokiškis Regional Museum, they explored pedagogical programs such as “The Magic of Dots” and “Secrets of Handmade Soaps,” gaining practical ideas for leisure activities. A gong therapy session within the Health Academy introduced alternative methods for practicing mindfulness. All activities took place together with the project’s main participants – seniors – who, thanks to the project activities, not only gained new knowledge but also formed new friendships and social contacts, significantly improving their well-being and health.
In May, project partners traveled to Panevėžys, Lithuania, where, together with local seniors, they participated in physiotherapy-led classes in a park. Outdoor exercise equipment, installed within the project, allows for weight adjustment, unlike the usual equipment found in urban environments. The main goal of the classes was to learn effective and correct use of outdoor exercise equipment, emphasizing its importance in maintaining muscle mass, which is vital for healthy aging. According to health studies, during the aging process, a person loses 10-15% of muscle strength each year until the age of 70, and after the age of 70, muscle strength decreases even more rapidly – by 25-40% per decade. Accordingly, older people with reduced muscle strength have an increased risk of falls, increased risk of mobility limitations, a higher risk of slow gait, and a higher mortality risk compared to people with high muscle strength. To prevent muscle strength loss, it is recommended to perform strength training at least twice a week, which seniors living in Panevėžys now have the opportunity to do, moreover, in the fresh air. Participants went home with new ideas and inspiration to implement in their centers to create valuable services for local residents.
The concluding shadowing event took place just before the Midsummer festivities, from June 18-20, in Bauska Municipality. The event program included exploring Latvian herbs at “Vaidelotes” and making and tasting Midsummer cheese within healthy nutrition masterclasses. Meanwhile, in the physical activity promotion masterclass, participants explored Latvian games suitable for people of all ages, helping them enjoy the joy of movement in an informal, positive atmosphere. Participants visited the Bauska Day Center and the “Iecavnīca” day center, where they took part in creative activities. The event concluded with a Midsummer celebration in Vecumnieki and a presentation on the Multifunctional Service Center “Sarkanā skola,” which provides services to both seniors and people with disabilities.
Key Benefits and Cross-Border Experience Transfer:
These shadowing events have provided invaluable cross-border experience exchange and best practice transfer. Project participants have gained:
• Practical Knowledge and Ideas: New methods and approaches in working with seniors have been learned, ranging from economical and healthy cooking to gong therapy and creative activities.
• Insight into Inclusive Approaches: The ability to witness how local communities, including people with disabilities, are successfully involved in activities, creating a truly inclusive environment.
• In-depth Understanding of Healthy Aging: Enhanced knowledge of the importance of muscle mass in healthy aging and the effective use of outdoor exercise equipment.
• Inspiration for New Service Development: Participants have gained new ideas that they can implement in their centers, creating diverse and valuable services for local residents.
• Strengthened Cooperation: The shadowing events have fostered closer cooperation between Latvian and Lithuanian partners, creating a strong network for future joint efforts in promoting active aging.
The experience gained from the “Promoting Active and Healthy Aging” project will serve as a foundation for implementing innovative approaches to improving senior well-being in both countries, strengthening communities’ ability to respond to the needs of an aging society.
