NEWS

Today, a meeting of the partners of Latvia-Lithuania programme project "Healthy Aging" took place at Panevėžys City Municipality. The participants were welcomed by the Mayor of Panevėžys City Loreta Masiliūnienė. During the meeting, the partners were introduced to the activities of the project being implemented in Panevėžys, experiences were shared, and discussions was held on the importance of promoting physical activity in aging communities.

"Every initiative that encourages physical activity and community engagement is very important – especially today, when we are increasingly seeking not only better well-being but also meaningful connections with the environment and with each other. The “Healthy Aging” project reminds us that movement is not only about health but also an opportunity to be together, to build connections, and to strengthen the community. I am glad that every detail is important in this project – from the outdoor gym equipment to the warm conversations and shared experiences. Such meetings create not only partnerships between cities but also stronger human connections. I am confident that this project will serve as the foundation for further initiatives," said the Mayor of Panevėžys City Loreta Masiliūnienė, while greeting the project partners.

Since the project partners carry out different activities, one of the main goals of the project is to encourage collaboration, exchange of good practices, and sharing of results. In Panevėžys, the aim is to provide opportunities for seniors and the disabled to engage in various physical activities and to foster public awareness that movement is an inseparable part of daily life. Furthermore, physical activity promotes communication, helps build connections with people from different groups, and strengthens community spirit.

The visit to various institutions in Panevėžys will continue tomorrow. Guests from Latvia and Lithuania will visit the Culture and Leisure Park, observe the training sessions, and attend a healthy lifestyle medicine lecture provided by a physiotherapist Agnė Podelė. Educational sessions are also planned at the Art Gallery, the Creativity Centre "Pragiedruliai," and one of the unique activities – yoga with dogs.

The "Healthy Aging" project is being implemented under the 2021–2027 Interreg VI-A Latvia-Lithuania Cross-Border Cooperation Program. Its goal is to promote physical activity and social participation among senior people and people with disabilities.

The project involves partners from Lithuania and Latvia: the Zemgale Regional Development Department of Latvia, the Rokiškis District Municipality Education Centre, and the Municipalities of Bauska and Jelgava. The collaboration aims to create a favourable environment for an active lifestyle, promote the creation of safe spaces for community members to exercise, participate in wellness activities, and socialize.

One of the key project results in Panevėžys is the establishment of a modern outdoor sports area in the Culture and Leisure Park, which has become like an open-air gym. New, weather-resistant training equipment, suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, has been installed here. Training sessions for seniors are conducted by a qualified trainer twice a week and are free of charge.

The project duration is 24 months.

Its total value exceeds 600,000 euros, with the financial contribution from the Panevėžys City Municipality Administration amounting to 125,000 euros. The funds are allocated from the European Regional Development Fund.