On January 14, 2026, the historic Abgunste Manor hosted the international conference “Active Aging Policy and Innovative Methods” in a celebratory atmosphere. The event marked the conclusion of the two-year Interreg Latvia-Lithuania cross-border cooperation project “Active Aging” (LL-00059). Within the project, the Zemgale Planning Region, Jelgava and Bauska municipalities (Latvia), and the Panevėžys and Rokiškis regions (Lithuania) implemented modern approaches to promote the social inclusion and health of seniors.
Achieved Results: From Infrastructure to Heartfelt Stories
During the project, five partners from Latvia and Lithuania joined forces to create lasting changes in the daily lives of seniors. Key achievements include:
- A Handbook for Specialists: titled “Active Aging and Storytelling,” it serves as a practical tool for social workers.
- Modernized Spaces: Dedicated “spaces” for seniors and people with disabilities were created in Rokiškis, Panevėžys, Jelgava, and Bauska.
- Social Activation: Hundreds of seniors in Bauska, Jelgava, Panevėžys, and Rokiškis participated in various activities, including music therapy, healthy nutrition masterclasses, language learning, and digital skills training, helping them become more socially active.
- Traveling Photo Exhibition: The exhibition and story cycle “Life Wisdom in Portraits and Stories” was created to highlight senior experience as a valuable resource for society.
Key Insights: Cooperation as a Driving Force
During the conference panel discussion, experts and policymakers concluded that aging is not just a medical issue, but a combination of five dimensions: self-image, health, social inclusion, economic security, and lifelong learning. The partnership emphasized that cross-border cooperation allowed them to “see themselves from the outside” and implement solutions that have already proven effective in neighboring countries. Participants also stressed the importance of including active aging as a priority in both national and municipal policies.
Future Vision: New Academies and Generational Bonds
Upon the project’s conclusion, partners defined ambitious goals for the future:
- Adopting Academy Models: Latvia plans to implement the successful Lithuanian experience with “Universities of the Third Age,” creating a structured non-formal education system for seniors.
- Intergenerational Spaces: Plans include developing shared spaces where youth and seniors can collaborate, promoting knowledge transfer and reducing the social divide.
- Language and Experience Exchange: Continuing international friendship through exchange visits where seniors can learn basic Latvian and Lithuanian, strengthening neighborly ties.
- Continuing Storytelling: The storytelling initiative will become a permanent method for documenting and sharing the life wisdom of the region’s seniors
“This project has proven that seniors are ready to be active members of society if we provide a meaningful environment and encouragement. Our task now is to integrate these results into long-term municipal policies,” emphasized project manager Dace Strautkalne.
More about the project:
https://www.zemgale.lv/lv/projekts/aktivas-un-veseligas-novecosanas-veicinasana
