The "Beautiful Stories of Lower Silesian Seniors 2025" project was implemented for people aged 60+ living in Świdnica and Wrocław. Its goal was to create a free and accessible range of activities that help seniors stay active, take care of their health, memory, and well-being, and maintain relationships with others.
The project included regular exercise sessions, memory training sessions, psychoeducational classes, and digital learning workshops. These activities allowed participants not only to acquire new skills and knowledge but also to meet, talk, and spend time with others, helping to combat loneliness and strengthen local ties in both cities.
photo: Paweł Rychert
As part of the "Beautiful Stories of Lower Silesian Seniors 2025" project, 48 free events aimed at seniors aged 60+ were held in Wrocław as planned, addressing needs related to social activation, health, cognitive performance, and digital literacy. The Wrocław event was exceptionally well-received by seniors, who participated in the various activities with enthusiasm and enthusiasm.
Memory training
The sessions in this series were led by Konrad Kocjan – a social skills trainer, graduate of a cognitive training course for seniors, clinical psychology student, and currently undergoing integrative psychotherapy training. The sessions were held regularly and cyclically, supporting participants in maintaining their cognitive skills and strengthening their self-confidence in everyday life.
In total, we completed 16 classes, 2 hours each, for a total of 32 hours of classes. They took place on the following dates: April 10, 2025, April 24, 2025, May 8, 2025, May 15, 2025, May 22, 2025, May 29, 2025, June 5, 2025, September 11, 2025, September 18, 2025, September 25, 2025, October 2, 2025, October 9, 2025, October 16, 2025, October 23, 2025, October 30, 2025, and December 11, 2025.
Physical activity – Tai Chi
The classes in this series were led by Michał Araszkiewicz, an instructor with over twenty years of experience coaching various exercise groups. The exercise classes were health-promoting and preventative, supporting the improvement of balance, motor coordination, and overall physical fitness of the participants.
In total, we completed 16 classes, each lasting 1 hour, for a total of 16 hours of classes. They took place on the following dates: July 1, 2025, July 8, 2025, July 15, 2025, July 22, 2025, July 29, 2025, August 5, 2025, August 12, 2025, August 19, 2025, August 26, 2025, September 2, 2025, September 9, 2025, September 16, 2025, September 23, 2025, September 30, 2025, October 27, 2025, November 3, 2025.
Media education and online safety
The workshops were led by Anna Jurkowska, an educator and facilitator for people aged 60+ with many years of experience. The workshops focused on practical aspects of using the internet and digital devices, increasing participants' independence and sense of online safety.
In total, we completed eight sessions of 2 hours each, for a total of 16 hours of instruction. They took place on the following dates: May 12, 2025, May 26, 2025, June 2, 2025, June 9, 2025, June 23, 2025, June 30, 2025, July 3, 2025, and July 7, 2025.
Psychoeducation classes
The sessions were led by Konrad Kocjan. The sessions focused on topics such as mental well-being, coping with stress and emotions, and strengthening participants' personal resources.
In total, we completed eight sessions of 2 hours each, for a total of 16 hours of instruction. They took place on the following dates: October 30, 2025, November 6, 2025, November 13, 2025, November 20, 2025, November 26, 2025, December 4, 2025, December 11, 2025, and December 18, 2025.
photo: Beata Kuzera
In Świdnica, we organised a total of 46 free events for seniors, addressing the needs related to social activation, mental well-being, physical health, cognitive performance and digital competences.
Memory training
The sessions in this series were led by Jan Starek. The sessions supported maintaining and strengthening participants' cognitive skills and their daily functioning.
In total, we completed 10 sessions, each lasting 2 hours, for a total of 20 hours of instruction. They took place on the following dates: May 5, 2025, May 8, 2025, May 12, 2025, May 15, 2025, May 19, 2025, May 22, 2025, May 26, 2025, May 29, 2025, June 2, 2025, June 5, 2026.
Movement and breathing activities
The classes in this series were led by Volha Rydleuskaya. These included movement classes, breathing exercises, elements of yoga, relaxation, and sound massage. Some sessions were conducted in two groups. The sessions were health-promoting and preventative, supporting physical fitness, regulating breathing, and reducing tension.
In total, we conducted 18 classes, each lasting 2 hours, for a total of 36 hours of classes. They took place on the following dates: May 6, 2025, May 13, 2025 (2 groups), May 20, 2025 (2 groups), May 27, 2025 (2 groups), June 3, 2025 (2 groups), June 10, 2025, May 17, 2025, May 24, 2025, July 1, 2025, July 8, 2025, July 15, 2025 (2 groups), July 25, 2025 (2 groups).
Psychoeducation and prevention classes
The classes were led by various experts and included:
- workshops on well-being, self-esteem and mindful living (Beata Kras),
- breathing workshops (Marta Friedman),
- workshops on healthy eating, combining the theoretical part with practical preparation of dishes and tasting (Edyta Chojnacka-Palcat),
- classes in gerontology (Anna Kundzicz),
- lectures and walks on the health and social benefits of everyday activity (Anna Motyka).
In total, we completed 13 sessions, each lasting 2 hours, for a total of 26 hours of instruction. They took place on the following dates: April 30, 2025, May 7, 2025, May 28, 2025, June 4, 2025, June 18, 2025, June 25, 2025, July 2, 2025, July 9, 2025, July 16, 2025, July 23, 2025, July 30, 2025, August 20, 2025, and September 3, 2025.
Media education and online safety
The workshops in this series were led by Zbigniew Bronżbar. The workshops focused on practical aspects of using new technologies and online security.
In total, we completed five sessions of two hours each, for a total of 10 hours of instruction. They took place on the following dates: June 23, 2025, June 27, 2025, July 7, 2025, July 11, 2025, and July 21, 2025.
The project's activities contributed to the social activation of seniors in two Lower Silesian cities, combating loneliness, improving participants' mental and physical well-being, and strengthening their digital skills. The activities were accessible, free, and regular, fostering lasting relationships and local support networks.
The project "Beautiful Stories of Lower Silesian Seniors 2025" is financed by the Marshal's Office of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship.
