Course enrolments for sports services will start in phases on Monday, 12 August 2024, and the courses will start at the beginning of September. These include activities for older adults, such as water aerobics, group exercise, gym courses, and Seniorisäpinät (Senior Shindigs), where you can try different types of low-threshold exercise. These services are affordable and sometimes even free of charge. People over 64 years of age can purchase the course products and services at half the rate of working-age adults. There are courses suitable for beginners as well as for more active people.
Cultural centres across Helsinki will be buzzing with events, performances, concerts, exhibitions and workshops this autumn. For example, Kanneltalo will arrange art exercise classes, and Maunula House will be the place to go to the disco with friends. You can also immerse yourself in the world of cinema at places like Malmitalo and Caisa. The 38 libraries serve as public living rooms where people can read the newspapers, meet other people in the neighbourhood or maybe even knit while listening to stories.
“We want to offer older people different ways to exercise, have new experiences and socialise with other city residents in similar life situations. Many of our services are free or affordable, and easily accessible on foot or by public transport. If you find it difficult to get started or find something to do, the Liikuntaluuri telephone service and Senior Info can help. It’s also easy to apply to the Kulttuurikaveri (Culture Buddy) programme and find a partner for an enjoyable cultural activity,” says Juha Ahonen, Executive Director of the Culture and Leisure Division.
“Every moment spent doing new things adds joy and vitality to everyday life. I warmly welcome older people to come exercise and engage in hobbies – I believe there’s something for everyone to do that will brighten their day,” he adds.
All the services listed in a new brochure – available in print and digital formats
The printed brochure includes sports and cultural services for older people, as well as many other topical issues and important contact information. It will be published on Wednesday, 7 August 2024, in Helsingin Uutiset (both print and digital editions). The brochure will also be available from 8 August onwards at the following locations in Helsinki:
- Helsinki libraries
- The largest city-run sports facilities: Töölö Sports Hall, Liikuntamylly, the Pirkkola and Itäkeskus swimming halls, and the Swimming Stadium
- Cultural centres: Stoa, Malmitalo, Kanneltalo, Maunula House, Vuotalo, Caisa
- City of Helsinki’s health stations and service centres