MINSK, 11 September (BelTA) – The UNDP office in Belarus with assistance of the European Union is implementing two large-scale projects, which envisage the prevention of non-communicable diseases, promotion of a healthy lifestyle, and assistance with local development. Twelve initiatives from these projects involve support for elderly people. The UNDP intends to put more efforts into this direction, in particular, by studying the influence of the climate change on the health of elderly Belarusians, BelTA learned from Aleksei Chistodarsky, a communications and promotion specialist of the UNDP office in Belarus.
The specialist said: “Later on we intend to expand the list of topics concerning the active ageing strategy. Particularly in the sphere of increasing economic activity and training elderly people, promoting and popularizing volunteering among ‘silver age' people. Another interesting topic that may become part of our climate portfolio is the influence of the climate change on elderly people in Belarus.”
So far thanks to the UNDP project meant to promote a healthy lifestyle and increase physical activity of people in the regions as many as 250 pensioners took part in master classes in Zhabinka District. They were taught ski walking, skiing, and inclusive gymnastics. Results of the consequent monitoring indicate that 70% of the participants have been able to truly increase the level of their physical activity.
Projects involving the prevention of non-communicable diseases with a focus on cardiovascular diseases go on. A health school has been set up in Smorgon District. As many as 600 pensioners have been trained there under the supervision of professional therapists. The elderly were taught how to measure blood pressure, keep an eye on sugar levels in blood. They also learned some healthy dietary basics. After training all the participants could check the state of their bodies on their own.
A computer classroom has been opened in Pruzhany District in order to enable better living standards for the elderly in the regions, to raise their awareness. A beauty and health school has been opened as well as singing classes.
A psychological relaxation center has been established at premises of the territorial social services center in Bereza District. Elderly Belarusians now have access to consultations of professional psychologists, to hobby groups focusing on art therapy and movies.
