At the Festival for the Third Age, we are celebrating two important milestones – the 20th anniversary of Ljubljana’s first Day Activity Centre for seniors, and 1 October, the International Day of Older Persons. Both highlight the valuable role seniors play in our community and the importance of their active participation in social life.

Ljubljana’s First Day Activity Centre for Seniors

 

Ljubljana’s first Day Activity Centre for seniors opened 20 years ago, thanks to the initiative of the City Pensioners’ Association, with support from the City of Ljubljana and later the Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities. The centre helped bring the city closer to its vision of active and healthy aging, offering seniors opportunities to stay engaged, independent, and socially connected.

Today, Ljubljana has 10 Day Activity Centres, and the concept is expanding to other cities in Slovenia.

The Mission of Day Activity Centres

Day Activity Centres aim to support seniors’ independence and well-being, both physically and mentally. They help seniors stay in their own homes, maintain social connections, and develop skills needed for daily life.

Activities at the centres also help prevent loneliness and social isolation, encouraging seniors to participate actively in their communities at local and national levels.

On the International Day of Older Persons

The United Nations General Assembly declared 1 October as the International Day of Older Persons, a day to annually raise awareness about the importance of respectful treatment of seniors and their contribution to society. The City of Ljubljana includes seniors in numerous programs and activities that promote a healthy lifestyle, active leisure, intergenerational cooperation, and ensures an age-friendly environment.

 

Further information about the Festival for the Third Age can be found here.