Every week, older adults gather in the park on Chornovola Avenue and in the Sykhiv district for Nordic walking sessions. For some, it is a way to maintain their health; for others, it helps overcome loneliness or provides an opportunity to once again feel part of a community. For many participants, it has become a cherished routine and an activity they look forward to each week.
Nordic walking at the Dzherelo Centre is one of the active leisure services offered to older adults. It combines physical exercise, time spent outdoors, and opportunities for social interaction.
An Hour of Movement and Connection: How Nordic Walking Works
The sessions take place twice a week. Participants walk at a pace that feels comfortable for them, and the routes are designed to be safe and accessible. The organizers provide Nordic walking poles for participants, although some long-time attendees bring their own equipment. The number of participants varies depending on the weather and how people are feeling, but typically between five and fifteen people attend each session.
The walks last about an hour. Participants are free to choose their own pace. Some complete the route more quickly, counting laps as they go, while others use the time for a leisurely walk and conversation.
“This activity helps people maintain physical fitness and coordination, improves overall well-being, and has a very positive impact on emotional health. It gives people a reason to leave the house, socialize, and spend time with like-minded peers,” says Anastasiia Shkoropad, Cultural and Leisure Activities Coordinator.
“We Come Here to Recharge with Positive Emotions”
Ms. Larysa has been attending the sessions since the very beginning. She says that for her, Nordic walking is a chance to break away from the daily routine, which can often feel lonely, and to fill up on positive emotions.
“We come here to socialize, recharge with positive emotions, and breathe fresh air. Many retirees spend their days at home and don’t know what to do, but here you can meet people and have conversations. Not everyone has opportunities to go out or stay active, so gatherings like these are very important,” says Ms. Larysa.
According to her, the atmosphere during the sessions is friendly and supportive. Participants do not just walk together in the park; they stay in touch outside the meetings as well, calling one another, checking in, and showing concern for those who were unable to attend.
“We Somehow Started Feeling Like People Again”
Ms. Nadia lives alone. Her children are serving in the military, and her grandchildren have lives of their own, so everyday communication is often limited. That is why the opportunity to participate in the sessions and spend time among others has become especially valuable to her.
“It is very important to have a place where you can be around people. I am very happy that I come here,” says Ms. Nadia.
She first learned about Nordic walking by chance when she saw a neighbour carrying walking poles. Curious about where she was going, Ms. Nadiia decided to join the group herself. The sessions have since become an important part of her active lifestyle and a meaningful source of social connection.
“I Really Enjoy the Whole Experience: Both the Walking and the Conversations”
Ms. Maria has been attending the sessions for many years. She says that the park on Chornovola Avenue has become a special place where movement, memories, and engaging conversations come together. A lifelong resident of the neighbourhood, she has lived there since the late 1970s and remembers what the area looked like before the park was developed and improved.
During the walks, she often shares stories about the neighbourhood, talks about local plants and nature, and reflects on the changes that have taken place in Lviv over the decades. She says that walking has helped her notice more of the beauty around her and feel a stronger connection to the place she calls home.
“I really enjoy the whole experience: both the walking and the conversations. I have lived here for a long time and remember this park when it was completely different, so it is fascinating to see how it has changed. It is beautiful here, the air is fresh, and you can spend time with people, talk, and take a walk,” says Ms. Maria.
She learned about the opportunity to join Nordic walking through the home care branch. After the loss of her husband and a period of loneliness, the activities at Dzherelo became an important part of her life.
“I am completely alone, so this means a lot to me. There are people here, communication, and support. There are many of us, and that is wonderful,” she says.
During the walks, Ms. Maria often points out plants in the park and enthusiastically shares information about their characteristics and medicinal properties.
How to Join
People aged 60 and over are welcome to join the Nordic walking groups. For detailed information about participation and requirements, please contact the Dzherelo Contact Centre at +380 97 400 22 88.
