Representatives of the "silver" age of Vitebsk gathered at the festival in Orsha
In Orsha, as part of the International Forum "Healthy Living", a large-scale event called "Healthy Longevity" took place at the Ice Arena.
The sports complex gathered caring, energetic, and initiative-driven people from all over the Vitebsk region: representatives of social protection institutions, members of sports teams, volunteers, and of course, our esteemed citizens of the "silver age".
The event featured several diverse platforms, each aimed at promoting ideas of active and dignified aging. The first platform organized presentations from territorial centers for social services from Orsha, Lepel, Ushachi, Gorodok, Vitebsk, and Dubrovno, as well as from Selyutsky and Bogushevsky nursing homes. They presented developments and innovative ideas being implemented in social protection institutions in the Vitebsk region. Here, one could see projects for the rehabilitation of elderly people, active leisure programs, forms of interaction with volunteers, and examples of intergenerational initiatives.
The second platform organized training sessions for working with people with disabilities. Practical-oriented training sessions were conducted for specialists and volunteers, aimed at developing skills for working with people with disabilities. These sessions were held in an interactive format with elements of role-playing games and case analysis.
At the same time, the "Olympiec" sports complex hosted an interregional sports event called "Orsha Starts". On the sports arena, teams of people with disabilities from Dubrovno, Senno, Chashniki, Toloczin, Vitebsk, and Orsha met. The athletes demonstrated excellent physical fitness, team spirit, and a positive attitude. As a result of the competitions, the teams that took I, II, and III places were awarded medals and gifts.
However, perhaps the most vibrant platform was the stage near the Ice Arena. It was here that the forum's novelty took place – a retro disco with the "silver gentlemen" of the Vitebsk region. Ten teams of elderly men (about 100 participants) came to Orsha to demonstrate that age is not a reason to give up dancing and good spirits. The men in stylish suits, with gallant manners and sincere smiles won the hearts of the audience. Dancing to hits from the 60s to the 80s, as well as modern music, made the audience applaud standing up.
As the organizers noted, the event "Healthy Longevity" became a true celebration of active and cheerful elderly people. The forum not only united representatives from different districts and institutions but also provided numerous acquaintances, inspiring ideas, and unforgettable emotions. And Orsha once again confirmed its status as a city that knows how to care, support, and create conditions for a healthy and happy life at any age.
Viktor SOSNOVSKY.
Photos by the author and Olga TIKHONOVA.