For many elderly people in Lviv, regular Nordic walking sessions have become not only a way to maintain physical fitness but also a wonderful opportunity to break away from loneliness. Gathering in the park on Chornovil Avenue and in Sykhiv, they enjoy active leisure.
This initiative takes place twice a week. Participants cover their routes at a comfortable pace using special poles. Often, these meetings are attended by 5–15 people, and the hours spent in the fresh air provide extremely positive emotions and improve well-being.
“Such activity helps maintain physical fitness, improve movement coordination, and enhance well-being, and it also significantly benefits emotional health, as people have the chance to leave their homes, socialise, and be in the company of like-minded individuals,” says Anastasia Shkoropad, the organiser of cultural and leisure activities.
Mrs Larisa, one of the participants, shares that these gatherings help her forget about everyday routine, and Mrs Maria becomes highly interested in the changes in the park where she has lived since the 1970s. They all find common ground and support among fellow enthusiasts.
Mrs Nadia, who joined the events on a neighbour’s advice, feels she has reconnected with the place she lives and found an opportunity to be in company. Such activities, organised by “Dzherelo“, have become an essential part of many participants’ lives.